Andie connected with Career Connection as a youth who had recently graduated from high school; someone who is active, excels at basketball and track and field and enjoys time with family. He also happens to have an intellectual disability.
Throughout his schooling, he had been exposed to different work environments through co-operative education placements within retail environments but he was looking to further his skills and finally move into paid employment. With Career Connection’s (Community Living Mississauga) expertise in supporting people who have an intellectual disability, Andie committed to reaching his employment goals alongside a trained and experienced Job Coach to support him along the way.
Graduating from high school with little to no paid work experience can provide challenges for any person. For those who also happen to have an intellectual disability, it can be a cycle of disappointment finding that employer who sees your potential. That was not the case for Andie.
Andie committed to bi-weekly meetings with his Job Coach and never wavered from his goal, showcasing his motivation and determination-two traits that employers value. Alongside his Job Coach, he worked on updating his resume, learning how to complete applications and prepare for interviews to exhibit his confidence and abilities. He maintained a positive attitude and was willing to challenge himself, learn and grow to find success.
Andie was supported to apply to a Service Clerk position with Loblaws, a role he was a perfect match for. Having worked alongside Loblaws for years supporting their business by matching strong candidates to their hiring needs, Career Connection (Community Living Mississauga) was able to secure an interview for Andie.
Once in the interview, Andie took the lead-demonstrating how his interpersonal skills, determination, motivation and experience made him the right candidate for the role. Andie was hired on the spot.
Andie has become an integral part of the team, increased his working hours and showcased why he is a valuable team player. Andie values his role as it matches his skills, keeps him active and supports his work/life balance. When asked what his favourite part of the job is, Andie confidently says “I love helping others. Every time a customer or staff says thank you for my help, it makes my day.” Loblaws also values Andie as an employee as he is motivated, a team player and always gets the job done-supporting their business, customers and team as a whole.
For more information about inclusive hiring and services for job seekers and employers, contact Career Connection at info@career-connection.ca or 905-542-2694.