The Government of Saskatchewan and the Swift Current branch for SaskAbilities are continuing a partnership.

The Ministry of Immigration and Career Training is investing $236,290 in the Partners in the Employment program that is offered by SaskAbilities.

Everett Hindley, the MLA for Swift Current, said that to continue investing in the program just made sense.

"It's just a great track record that we have seen in Swift Current and southwest Saskatchewan by SaskAbilities and by the Partners in Employment folks here in Swift Current," he said. "They do such great work not only providing training for those with disabilities and trying to find them employment, but the other important part that they do is helping employers getting a great awareness of some of the skills and abilities that are available right here in Swift Current and southwest Saskatchewan." 

Partners in Employment provides specialized career and employment services to people with disabilities transitioning into employment. The services provided to participants include identifying and developing skills, job readiness, resume and interview development, job search and maintenance and sustained career growth. 

Hindley said that the program is so valuable because of everything that it offers.

"It's such a valuable program because I think it provides an opportunity and an employment opportunity for folks that might not necessarily have that chance. Sometimes they just need a little bit of help, and I think we all find ourselves in that situation in life. I think that's what Partners in Employment does," he said. "It provides a little bit of help and gives them some confidence." 

This program not only provides support to people with disabilities but also helps employers have a greater awareness of the value of employing underrepresented populations. Partners in Employment identifies and provides suitable candidates for employers, and offers training and on-going support to the employer to ensure employee retention. 

He said that though the program is very valuable, part of the reason for the continued investment is the value SaskAbilities has within the City of Swift Current and the southwest. 

"They have such a strong sense of identity in our community. There is a reason they were Swift Current and District Chamber of Commerce SCBEX Member Business of the Year," he said. "It's the Ability Bowl, it's the work they do through the Partners in Employment program, it's things like the summer fun program, the social leisure program, there's the Recycling Depot, you think of transit and Sarcan and special needs equipment and there's confidential shredding services they provide and all sorts of things," Hindley said. "They are just so well recognized in our community and such great community partners." 

Hindley said that as the MLA for Swift Current he is proud of the Partners in Employment program.