RBC training program building confidence

Royal Bank of Canada is helping Aboriginal high school and post secondary students succeed through two employment training programs.
Two Timmins High and Vocational School students have spent the past six weeks participating in the RBC Stay in School Program.
Jourdain Louttit and Devin Naveau were chosen to learn how to provide banking services to RBC clients.
Patty McGirr, manager of client care at RBC Timmins, recruited the high school students.
“We like to show them that they need to stay in school to have a career in the banking industry,” McGirr said. “They learn, from day one, code of conduct, anti-money laundering, privacy and confidentiality.”
A client services representative requires people skills and an ability to present one’s self well. Grade 12 is the minimum education required for an entry level CSR position.
In the first few weeks of the program, McGirr has seen positive changes with Louttit and Naveau.
“I think they have gained a lot of pride in the work that they are doing,” she said.
Louttit of Moose Factory will be entering Grade 11 in the fall. This is her second summer participating in the program.
“It is good. I like working in the cage,” Louttit said.
The ‘cage’ is where Louttit handles business deposits and counts money.
“She’s gained amazing confidence from when she first started,” McGirr said. “When she first started, she wouldn’t talk. She is very comfortable now.”
Having taken Naveau under her wing, Louttit is great for bank morale, McGirr said.
Naveau is from Mattagami First Nation and also entering Grade 11.
McGirr also noted his development since starting the program
“He was very quiet. Now he comes out with things (jokes). He has gained a lot of confidence,” McGirr said of the 16 year old.
Naveau has enjoyed his experience.
“The first time (serving a customer), I was pretty nervous, but I got through it,” he said.
RBC is also helping post secondary students.
Greg Campbell of Moose Factory is participating in the account manager training program.
The three-month program has given the third-year accounting student account managerial training.
“He is at the stage where he is interviewing clients, opening up accounts, and processing loan applications,” McGirr said.
“He is our future, for sure.”
Campbell is very focused on his career path.
“My future plans include going to university for two years. One day I will definitely be a certified and chartered accountant.
There is a possibility of opening my own business,” Campbell said.
The national program has been running since 1993 with about 500 students who have participated.