In the summer of 2018, Joshua joined Community Living Mississauga’s Summer Work Experience Program and Futures as a student looking to develop his work readiness skills and enjoy his summer break from school. Joshua’s friendly and outgoing personality and his ability to connect with others stood out from day one. For two summers, Joshua participated in summer programming and in the fall of 2019, his graduating year from school, he enrolled with the HIRE program.
As Joshua was in his final year of school, his participation in the HIRE program meant he would be supported to find a co-op placement that would lead to paid employment when he graduated. Unfortunately, in March 2020, Covid-19 hit-closing schools and ending his possibility to find a co-op placement. Joshua stayed positive and committed to his goal of securing employment but his path to get there was now going to look different.
Fast forward to February 2021, Joshua started receiving support from Career Connection with the Employment Ontario program. Designed to work with candidates and employers for successful inclusive hiring, Joshua was a strong and committed candidate offering a lot to any potential employer. When an opportunity came up with Sobeys, Joshua was a natural fit. He had previous experience, a knack for customer service and a willingness to learn. Joshua was hired as a front-end cashier assistant.
Joshua worked his first shift at Sobeys on February 27th and continues to thrive in his role. On-site job coaching has supported Joshua in learning his assigned tasks in a way that works for him and Joshua’s innate ability to connect with colleagues and customers alike has showcased him as a positive, outgoing, dependable and reliable employee who is eager to learn new skills and support where needed.
“The Career Connection team’s comprehensive services and excellent staff give us the confidence that Joshua can be successful in his transition to meaningful employment at Sobeys and contributing to the community,” share Joshua’s parents, who have been an active part of Joshua’s journey towards his employment goal. Career Connection recognizes the value of everyone coming together to support successful outcomes. With Joshua as the lead, collaboration with his family, a supportive employer like Sobeys and Career Connection, a great working relationship has been fostered that we look forward to seeing continue to flourish.
Interested in learning more about inclusive employment? Contact Career Connection at info@career-connection.ca or 905-542-2694.