The paint is drying on their new office, interviews with applicants have been set, and Confederation College’s “practice firm” is slated to open April 15.
“It’s been a long time and I’m getting excited about the program starting,” said local campus manager Don Lovisa.
The practice firm is a training program where participants run a virtual company, trading and selling their “products” on an international market.
The program, which would be the only one between Ottawa and British Columbia, aims to give participants hands-on experience in all aspects of running a business.
Slated to begin in March, it was delayed a month due to negotiations with Human Resources Development Canada, which is funding the project for its pilot year, as well as locating the right employees and candidates.
Lovisa said the hiring process is almost complete and by next Monday, the staff will be sent to Quebec City to train in running a “practice firm.”
At the same time, college staff will interview and select the 14 candidates needed to start the program.
He expected the “firm” would be up and running by April 15. It will be “selling” wild rice, original aboriginal art, handmade kayaks, and local gifts and crafts to the more than 3,500 other “firms” in 35 countries.
Lovisa is confident that once the program is going, it will be a great success, helping local people find employment.
“We have excellent applicants and have been pleased with the community support we’ve received,” he said. “It’s an excellent program and it’s going to do well.”
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
