FORward Resources is the newest pillar in Trails’ For Life Program, established with the goal of providing Alumni with programs, resources and opportunities that will help them further their journey towards community contribution, whatever that may look like. Whether it is help, guidance or information pertaining to employment, financial literacy or the desire to reconnect with Trails and give back, FORward Resources is where to look. It is exciting because Alumni can both access a resource should they need it, or act as a resource for others. Be sure to stay tuned for updates and resources as this pillar and partnerships that support it continues to grow towards building For Life possibilities!
As the For Life Program and FORward Resources continue to grow, so do Trails partnerships. Our newest partnership in 2021, bringing substantial impact to our organization and our Alumni, is with TEKsystems. Involved in numerous areas of the For Life Program, we look forward to continued engagement from TEKsystems and their support in the area of employment skills and resources!
After a successful pilot program in fall of 2021, TEKsystems Teachings has been reimagined to continue to enhance, guide and build foundational skills for Trails alumni in their quest towards professional careers! Trails is thrilled to have TEKsystems staff, experts in human capital and recruitment as volunteers, offering support to our alumni as they navigate the journey to employment. This year TEKsystems Teachings will be offering a combination of online group workshops as well as targeted 1:1 support with any combination of resume writing, interview skills and networking in a digital age. In addition, TEKsystems will be supporting some other aspects of the For Life Program, including AIM and the Trails Danielle Dion Bursary. The experienced team at TEKsystems is ready and willing to offer help to alumni as they develop the tools and resources necessary to build out a career and professional profile! Are you interested or in need of some career support and looking to maximize support towards your professional future? Reach out to Erin to find out more!
“TEKsystems Teachings is filled with great people! They genuinely care about helping you achieve your career goals. Having the opportunity to speak one on one with a couple of the leaders helped me land the job I have today!” – Nicole K, Triple Threats, 2006-2009
Program Highlights:
100% of participants now feel confident in taking the steps to be successful in an interview.
There was a 65% increase in alumni reporting that they now have a strong foundational knowledge of how to build a resume in terms of content, style and what is relevant to recruiters and hiring managers, as well as the tools to make future edits.
Prior to TEKsystems Teachings, only 25% of participants were active users of LinkedIN. And now, 75% of participants are active and over 90% said they learned new strategies and techniques to grow their networks.
Trails is fortunate to have a diverse and abundant network of connections willing to provide meaningful advice, networking and introductions and career guidance to our Alumni. In today’s world networking is a necessity. Research shows that professional networks lead to more job and business opportunities, broader and deeper sector knowledge, faster advancement and greater status and authority.
“Entering the workforce for the first time is intimidating and stressful. The opportunity to directly connect with professionals in the industry was tremendously valuable. I feel very grateful to have met James who provided me with that opportunity.”