I want to help young people ages 18 - 30 who have had a bad start to learn basic office skills needed to get into the work force. My services would include basic office skills along with a self esteem course, how to find a job, how to interview for a job, resume writing, etc. but I don't know where to start.

Any suggestions?

S. Renae Whitaker

I used to be an employment specialist so I understand the difficulties they face. Your idea is a wonderful one, especially if it's in an area that has a high unemployment rate. When I worked for a county in CA they would allow individuals to offer regular workshops at their facility. So check with yours.

You might also try your local community centers. They are often very supportive of businesses like yours.

To take your idea a little further, you can also contract with other agencies and companies to use your clients for temp assignments. This will help them gain the experience, and build up their reliability and credibility, additionally, it would fill an employment need.

Hope some of this helps.

Thank you so much for the info. I really appreciate it. I had not thought of community centers, agencies or companies to help me. Once I get up and running I'll let you know how it's going.

S. Renae Whitaker

>I want to help young people ages 18 - 30 who have had a bad
>start to learn basic office skills needed to get into the work
>force. My services would include basic office skills along
>with a self esteem course, how to find a job, how to interview
>for a job, resume writing, etc. but I don't know where to
>start.
>
>Any suggestions?
>
>S. Renae Whitaker

The place where you should get started would be with a pencil ('cause it has an eraser-LOL!) and paper. Write down your services and courses from start to finish. This can also be considered your business plan.

I know that it may seem like a lot of work but it will do nothing but help you in the long run!

Next you're going to have to decide if you are going to operate this as a for-profit, non-profit and/or a combination of both?

Next comes the question of WHERE you will conduct your business. And the person that replied to you before me had a lot of great suggestions about this.

Once you have decided the above then you can go to work on marketing and promoting your services. As a matter of fact have you thought about offering your services online as well? You will be able to reach a bigger audience (and more potential clients/customers) this way too.

Wow! So much wonderful information. Thank you!

Actually, I have and still am writing down everything. It helps me know exactly what I want to do and yes, I have gone through lots of erasers. I have also thought about this being a non-profit but I need to make money because I want to be devoted to this full-time. I helped a friend of mine for three months doing this kind of work and I enjoyed it so much I didn't want to leave but I was just filling in for someone else.

Offering my services on-line is another great idea, thanks!

Here's another question. Is it possible to do this kind of work and get paid by the state or government? If so, how would I go about doing that? That way I could help very low and low income clients.


S. Renae Whitaker

>I want to help young people ages 18 - 30 who have had a bad
>start to learn basic office skills needed to get into the work
>force. My services would include basic office skills along
>with a self esteem course, how to find a job, how to interview
>for a job, resume writing, etc. but I don't know where to
>start.
>
>Any suggestions?
>
>S. Renae Whitaker

Such a program has been operating in Montreal since 1970.

http://www.epoc-montreal.ca/

It wouldn't hurt to speak with the directors. I "graduated" from Epoc in 1987.

Talk to Liz Cutter, I believe she's been there since the beginning and if not, was there when I was.

Elisabeth Kutter
Coordinator / Counsellor
Tel: 514-877-6897
E-Mail: ekutter@epoc-montreal.ca

She may have some insights worth asking about. Feel free to tell her that Graduate Tina Smith sent you... (That's my maiden name).

I think it's a brilliant idea and it should be available in every city.

Tina Brooks, VP Marketing
Brooks Pepperfire Foods, Inc.
Makers of Peppermaster Hot Sauces
http://www.peppermaster.com

Eat more peppers!

Thank you Tina! This information is most appreciated. And thanks for letting me use your name when I speak to Ms. Cutter. This is a great help.

S. Renae Whitaker