By: Employment Services Team
Employment is often a significant milestone for those transitioning from high school or university. Securing that first job is a celebratory event not just for the person hired, but also for those who cheer them on. However, for many people, the path to employment is not as simple as finding a job posting, creating a resume, applying and being hired. For people facing barriers to meaningful employment, getting and keeping a job can often require a dedicated support team to help you navigate your rights and needs.
This is where Abilities Centre’s Employment Services comes in, providing accessible programs and resources for individuals in the community. Our Employment Services Department understands the complexities of the labour market and uses this knowledge to actively support individuals facing barriers to employment in Durham Region. Skilled Employment Coordinators provide personalized one-to-one coaching sessions tailored to the needs of each job seeker. These sessions may include skill development and enhancement, job application assistance, interview preparation, and on-the-job coaching to aid in job retention.
In addition to coaching sessions, our Employment Facilitators continue to develop and implement workshops. All employment workshops are open to all community members in addition to job seekers already using our services. These weekly, free, in-person workshops are designed to address and enhance job readiness and interpersonal skills. Workshops offered include Safe Job Searching, Professional Communication: Emails, and Mastering Time Management. Feedback from individuals who attend our workshops highlight their positive impact:
Both presenters are knowledgeable. Having an extra set of eyes always helps when reviewing resumes. The one-on-one help was excellent...
The facilitators were very friendly & answered my questions. I also learned things about job interviews [I] never knew before.
Since January 2024, we have had 124 people in attendance across 24 workshops, and demand is consistently growing. In fostering community connection, our Employment Services Department supports the Durham Catholic District School Board’s Continuing Education, through offering employment workshops in the Custodial Services Training Program. Building on these efforts and to address the gaps we see within the community, we are excited to announce the launch of a new employment program, called Pathways 2 Employment.
Introducing Pathways 2 Employment: Empowering Youth
The Pathways 2 Employment program aims to develop and implement a sustainable model to support, promote, and guide access to meaningful employment for youth with disabilities. This program focuses on fostering community and economic participation and self-determination through skill development. To explore further details about this program, including its benefits, eligibility requirements, and more, please refer to our comprehensive Pathways 2 Employment Information Package!
Stay tuned to our social media for more information about the Summer Session of Pathways 2 Employment!
If you would like to learn more about Employment Services at Abilities Centre, please email us at empservices@abilitiescentre.org or call 905-665-8500 ext. 224.
For those interested in learning more about workplace accommodations, check out 32 Examples of Workplace Accommodations from Understood.org.
Authors Bio:
The Employment Services Team at Abilities Centre is comprised of seven (7) passionate and dedicated professionals. The Team works collaboratively with each other to deliver exceptional programs and services in Durham Region and beyond.