The (ThirdQuarter) program gave us a pool of talent with experience, and some of the people we recruit from this pool we were hoping would be mentors for our younger staff.

››  Matt Bialek
     President & Co-owner of Blast-Off Fireworks
     Selkirk, MB

This was more effective at targeting exactly what we wanted to.

››  Geoff Cotter
     business manager of SIS Propane
     Victoria, BC

It's a short-term position so (companies) don't want to invest a lot of money in the training, so being previously trained is very important for us.

››  Niki Clow
     spokesperson for ABI BUSINESS SERVICES INC.
     Summerside, PEI

The business experience that they've had over the previous 25 to 30 years that they have been in the workforce has given them a number of skill sets that are lacking in folks who haven't yet got that experience.

››  Randy Brooks
     operations manager for Commissionaires
     South Saskatchewan

I really get the sense that they're cut out for doing this type of thing and that they're going to be really valuable.

››  Mary Kiviste
     Okanagan College volunteer tutor co-ordinator

They have a very strong work ethic. If they're supposed to show up for shift, they will show up for a shift.

››  Midge Sametz
     Dauphin Consumers Co-op gas bar manager
     Dauphin, MB

It's a godsend. She has good work experience - 29 years in the same place, so I know I'm getting somebody who's reliable.

››  Virginia Millar
     manager of Quiznos Sub
     Brandon, MB

It's just a great asset for me to have someone who comes in with such responsibility right off the top and I didn't have to teach her that.

››  Susie Eyolfson
     owner of Arborg Nic Nacs & Flowers
     Arborg, MB

We knew it was the right decision right after we interviewed them. They're mature workers. They can talk maturely about work and dealing with people and dealing with situations and problem-solving.

››  Rob Willitts
     owner of the Canadian Tire franchise
     Selkirk, MB