A new program is starting this month at the Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre.

Executive Director Karen Cederwall says in recent years there has been an increased need for qualified community shelter workers, so the STSC stepped up to the plate.

“For us to deliver a course of this sort just makes sense,” she explains. “It will better prepare people for what they might be facing, have them skilled and able to respond correctly and empathetically, and in a way that works best for everyone involved.”

Eighteen participants will be selected to engage in sessions on trauma informed care, compassionate crisis response, first aid, motivational interviewing, and cultural humility, all while being paid to do so.

“All of our courses are developed for folks that are facing barriers to employment, so that is a requirement of anyone that’s applying for our courses; that they’re unemployed or underemployed and do face a barrier to employment.”

The program concludes with a two-week work placement component, which will employ new trainees at Saskatoon’s winter warmup shelters.  Cederwall admits that it takes a certain type of person to be well-suited for this type of work.

“Really take a look on our website at the description of the program. Do a little research on what it looks like within the shelter system. If they still think that it is something for them, then they can look at applying.”

Those who are interested can apply at saskatoontradesandskills.ca. The course starts September 22, and applications close this Thursday at midnight.