SUMMERSIDE – June 1, 2022 – This summer’s PERCÉ post-secondary interns had the chance to learn some important things and develop some new skills that will undoubtedly help them in their career paths during their four days of training last week.

« Our interns participated very well and were quite interested in what was presented to them this year; even the participation rate was above average, » says Julie Gallant, RDÉE Prince Edward Island’s youth development officer who oversees the program. « We consider the week to be a huge success.

During sessions in Charlottetown, Summerside and online, they were able to take training on topics such as :
• Self-awareness and interpersonal communication via Insights Discovery (Dominique Chouinard on behalf of Collège de l’Île);
• Mental health (Josée Gallant-Gordon from Elm Grove Centre);
• Workers’ Compensation (Claire Waddell from PEI Workers Compensation Board);
• First aid (Donna Arsenault from A-R’s First Aid);
• Networking and job searching skills (Nicky Perry from Career Development Services);
• Resumes and job interviews (Raymond J. Arsenault of RDÉE PEI and CCAFLIPE).

The coordinators for this week of training were Julie Gallant, Christian Gallant and Alecia Arsenault.

NEXT SESSION

A final mid-term training day is also scheduled for July 15. Sessions being considered include a second Insights Discovery session as well as a presentation on the youth leadership program “Faut que ça grouille !” Other topics will probably be added.

As for the PERCÉ internships this summer, the RDÉE can accept up to 35 people. Most spots are now confirmed or close to being finalized. All accepted individuals have been matched with an Island employer.

The immediate goal of the PERCÉ program is to bring post-secondary students who are mostly studying out of province back to the Island to get a work experience their field of study in their home province. The program’s long-term goal is to help convince participants to return to the Island permanently, once they have completed their studies, to make a life and career here, all in an effort to help reverse the shortage of skilled labour on the Island.

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PHOTO 1: During first aid training, trainer Donna Arsenault (in red shirt) shows participants Athena Quirin and Erik MacInnis how to carefully handle « victim » Maël Bisson when they believe he may have a spinal injury.

PHOTO 2: PERCÉ trainees were paying close attention during one of the virtual sessions on resumes and interviews delivered by Raymond J. Arsenault of RDÉE PEI and the CCAFLIPE (top row, second from left).