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jobPath Training Completes Third Session of
Pre-Employment Training
Photo: (Left to right: Special guest and mentor Dalton, Rocco Martone (Employment Advisor, EMPLOYMENT network), Dave Mornix (Employment Advisor, EMPLOYMENT network), Krista, Danny, Jon, Sergio Iacoe (Manager of Inclusion, Education & Employment, EMPLOYMENT network) and, (front), Rachelle
This was Dalton's second time participating in the jobPath Pre-employment Training program, but he wasn't repeating the session, he was now helping lead it as a mentor and guide. As a past graduate of the program, he is already gainfully employed and, therefore, also familiar with the job hunt and what it takes to build confidence as an employee and keep a job.
As an employee at a local gym club, Dalton is tasked with the responsibility of getting young budding gymnasts from one activity station to another and supporting them in their efforts. He actually completed training to see him receive his certification as a coach. When asked, he says he learned that communication - a skill they get ample practice with as part of their EMPLOYMENT network training - was one of the most important skills he learned. He has discovered that e-communication can make previous challenges more accessible. For example, with literacy skills being a challenge, he can now use voice to text to send emails to his employer plus it can read back his schedule or employer's messages, to him.
Dalton was able to share these practical e-tips with the training participants. He also worked with Sergio Iacoe (Manager of Inclusion, Education & Employment, EMPLOYMENT network) in portraying mock job interviews and with Rocco Martone (Employment Advisor, EMPLOYMENT network) presenting a finance and budgeting session.
“We were excited to bring Dalton into this session because he kept his head up high and not only got a job, but became a certified coach,” says Rocco. “He is shy about highlighting his accomplishments, but he is a great example of how this program can help people become employed and keep employed.”
On the last day of the session, the group celebrated their 54-hours of training with pizza, salad and ice cream treats for lunch. The program leads - Sergio, Rocco and Dave - shared words of praise and encouragement for each recipient, as they were issued certificates, in addition to insight on their progress.
“In the first three days, we could tell what a special group we were working with,” said Sergio. “They were kind and thoughtful and they made us feel comfortable.”
The sessions are interactive with participants being part of the discussions, role playing or sharing their own experiences. A quick survey revealed job aspirations of restaurant worker, working at a vet's office, an esthetician or construction labourer. They all know the practical training on job readiness is done and that they now have to keep the momentum going.
Sergio, Dave and Rocco make it clear, from the beginning that they are there to support each person - it doesn't end after the certificates are issued -but that the responsibility of job hunting is theirs.
“We're anxious to see you moving forward and being committed to what it is you need to do,” says Dave Mornix (Employment Advisor, EMPLOYMENT network).