About Us

Minister’s Silver Award for Excellence in Service Quality:

• Northern Community Development Services Job Connect Program received the Minister’s Silver Award for Excellence in Service Quality in December of 2007 from the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities

Northern Community Development Services Corporation (NCDS) was incorporated in 1975 as a non-profit organization with a mandate to provide employment and training services for unemployed people. Among its successes are the long-running Rainy River District COPE Program (1977-1997), Youth Employment Services (Ministry of Education and Training, 1985-1997), and the 1982 launch of the Rainy River Business Development Corporation, now the Rainy River Future Development Corporation, still active in economic development in the Rainy River District.

As part of the Community-Based Training sector, NCDS has also designed, developed and operated numerous short-term skill development projects, including Native Homemakers' Training, Office Administration Skills, Pre-Apprentice Electrical Training, and various computer courses.

In its current incarnation as NCDS Career Works, NCDS is in its seventh successful year providing Job Connect and Summer Job Service, which are youth employment programs delivered on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Both programs are designed to meet the employment needs of youth aged 16 to 24 in the Rainy River District.

During September of 1997 NCDS was contracted to deliver Case Management Services for HRSDC to assist individuals to find training opportunities and offer assistance with job search activities. In 2003 this service was enhanced and expanded and became Skills & Employment Source. The service provides case management focused around HRSDC’s programs. The service also offers job search activities and provides resource centre staff to assist individuals with their job search. Skills & Employment Source also provides the community with a Public Access Resource Centre.

NCDS maintains memberships in the following professional organizations: ONESTEP (Ontario Network of Employment Skills Training Projects), OAYEC (Ontario Association of Youth Employment Centres), and OACDP (Ontario Alliance of Career Development Practitioners), and NTAB (Northwest Training and Adjustment Board).

A volunteer Board of Directors from throughout the Rainy River District governs NCDS.

Local agency wins "Minister’s Award for Excellence in Service Innovation”

Mission Statement

We believe people are unique and deserving of a quality lifestyle. Our goal is to equip individuals to improve the quality of their lives by fostering intellectual and social growth that will enrich the communities of the Rainy River District.
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NCDS Customer Service Charter

NCDS is committed to providing the highest possible quality service to our participants, employers, community, and funders.
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