jobPath Is the Start of a New Direction for Job Seekers

jobPath is the Start of a New Direction for Job Seekers

For the nine people who just received their certificates from jobPath, they’re now employment-ready. They are now equipped with the knowledge about the importance of self-advocacy in the actual job hunt plus what is involved in having a job and keeping it.

Now, it is up to Jonathan, David, Allyson, Kathryn, Mark, Mike, Dalton, Tianna and Darrin to each start their own job search and obtain employment. The EMPLOYMENT network staff remain as mentors to them.

jobPath is an employment-readiness program that not only delivers information about the practicalities in securing employment, such as preparing resumes or health and safety, but it provides participants with an opportunity to also obtain a better understanding of relationships and themselves. jobPath is for youth and adults supported by the EMPLOYMENT network.

“jobPath training focuses on preparing individuals to be able to plan for, acquire, and retain casual, part-time, or full-time employment in areas they are interested in and where there is an employer need,” says Sergio Iacoe, Manager of Inclusion (Education & Employment, CLA).  “This group has certainly demonstrated both a willingness and commitment to be able to achieve these outcomes.  We are very proud of the effort and hard work each person has displayed during the duration of this jobPath training session!”

The EMPLOYMENT network also includes Dave Mornix, Rocco Martone and Brock Dewar, who are all Employment Advisors. Workshops occur twice, annually: January/February and in September/October. Each workshop is on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings over a period of six weeks.

Overall, participants attend 18 sessions that covers 54 hours about the knowledge, skills, personal traits and teamwork required to be successful in the workplace setting. This setting mirrors what a schedule may look like for someone working a part-time job.

“We set it up as if they’re going to work, three days a week for three hours,” says Dave Mornix (Employment Advisor, EMPLOYMENT network). “At the conclusion, they’ve demonstrated they know how to prep the day before – by ensuring they have transportation lined up – and then by showing up and actively engaging in the sessions.”

Dave says this shows, to potential future employers, that they have already experienced what it is like to have a part-time or casual job.

 “All of them have support lines within CLA to help them but they have to want to work,” says Rocco Martone (Employment Advisor, EMPLOYMENT network).

For some of the participants who have literacy challenges, there is an app for that…one participant learned about a feature which can read his emails to him so that, when employed, he can keep current on when shifts are posted or there is a message from an employer. Another participatnt learned how to use a voice to text feature as a way of responding to an email or phone message.

Finances are a huge reality check for the participants, many who still live at home with parents. Dreams of living independently and identifying a wants-and-needs list quickly provides insight that they can’t live solely on ODSP.

“For many, this is the first time they’ve looked at a budget,” says Rocco. “You can see the expression on their face when they realize the cost of a cell phone, for example, but we are there to show them that there are lots of financial options out there, as well.”

jobPath is delivered through a series of workshops and covers topics such as Getting to Know You; On the Path to Success; Acing the Interview; Life Skills; Health & Safety; and, Future Job Retention. Emphasis is placed on communication, attendance, attitude, motivation level, ability to work with others, flexibility and preparedness.

Interested in learning more about jobPath? Contact a member of the EMPLOYMENT network team, at Community Living Algoma, to learn more:

Sergio Iacoe (Manager of Inclusion), Sergio_iacoe@cla-algoma.org or (705) 253-1700 ext 3005;

Dave Mornix (Employment Advisor) David_Mornix@cla-algoma.org or (705) 257-2868; and

Rocco Martone (Employment Advisor) Rocco_Martone@cla-algoma.org or (705) 255-8716.

Brock Dewar (Employment Advisor) Brock_Dewar@cla-algoma.org or (705) 255-3232