Our Programs
StreetWise Partners provides a unique and high impact job training program for highly motivated people who face multiple barriers to employment. StreetWise Partners encourages people to proactively think about their career, not just their next job, and provides the tools and support required to set and achieve specific career goals. StreetWise Partners programs help level the playing field for people who don’t have the connection to resources that others do to advance their career.
Each trainee is individually matched with two volunteer mentors from professional backgrounds who provide them with guidance and personalized support over a 12 month period.
Phase 1: Career Ventures
During the first three months, each trainee, supported by their two mentors, completes our Career Ventures training. This training is conducted by our staff and volunteers in fully equipped, state of the art training facilities provided to us free of charge by our corporate partners. Each trainee works with his/her team of two mentors to:
- Discuss career options, transferable skills and gain an understanding of roles in different industries
- Create a resume and cover letter
- Learn how to succeed in an interview and practice extensively
- Advance basic computer skills, including preparing and delivering a PowerPoint presentation
- Discuss professional etiquette and other interpersonal skills required to succeed in a professional setting
- Develop a business network
- Understand education options, potential benefits and the application and funding procedures
- Set short and long term employment goals, which are written into a Career Work-Plan
Phase 2: Career Implementation
For the following nine months, the same team of two mentors provides the trainee with structured but flexibly-scheduled, ongoing support via regular phone calls and in person meetings (on average two to three times a month) tailored to help the trainee overcome individual obstacles and achieve the goals of the Careen Work-Plan. StreetWise Partners also provides ongoing supplementary Professional Development Workshops during this time, with topics ranging from Financial Literacy to Leadership and Conflict Resolution.
