In-Person Program

The Program

What is EmploymentWorks In-Person?

EmploymentWorks In-Person is a program that offers employment preparedness training and support to autistics and persons with disabilities. It is designed for individuals who want to enter or return to the workforce, and who are willing to develop and practice the skills needed to prepare for, find, and keep a job.

The program includes both classroom training and hands on experience through job sampling in real workplace environments, and provides participants with ongoing support to find and maintain employment. It also offers employers experience working with autistics and persons with disabilities, and improves their capacity to attract, hire, support and retain a diverse workforce.

Other program benefits include access to on-demand mental health resources and supports, and use of a unique communication tool to connect with program facilitators and track progress toward achieving employment goals.

Awesome Image
Awesome Image

Who is the program for?

Individuals who:

  • Self-identify as being autistic, neurodivergent, or as a person with a disability*
  • Require assistance to prepare for, find, and keep employment
  • Are motivated to find employment
  • Are legally entitled to work in Canada

*Disability is defined as having a permanent or recurring physical, mental, neurodevelopmental, or any other disability that restricts your ability to perform daily activities.

3-Phase Program Format
(up to 12-months in duration)

Phase 1: Preparing for Work

60 hours of group-based programming over a period of 2 to 12 weeks (varies by location):

  • 30 hours of classroom learning focused on employment readiness, career exploration, and soft skills development, and
  • 30 hours of experiential learning via job sampling in a variety of workplace settings.

Example. During a 12-week program, participants attend two 2.5 hour sessions per week.

Phase 2: Getting Work

Continuum of support to transition from weekly programming to active job seeking and employment.

Activities may include:

  • individualized or group based support to improve job seeking skills;
  • assistance with preparing resumes and applying for suitable jobs;
  • developing effective interview skills;
  • connection with an employment placement agency or supported employment provider; and
  • determining appropriate skills training to further pursue an area of career interest and assistance with preparing applications to post secondary institutions.

Phase 3: Keeping Work

This phase targets individuals who gain employment during the program and provides access to time-limited ‘on-the job’ supports such as:

  • equipment to perform job tasks;
  • job coaching; and
  • a wage subsidy that can be used by their employer to help cover onboarding and training costs.

Schedule

Program Dates and Locations

Dates are subject to change. Please refer to the Locations page for the service provider nearest to you.
Awesome Image
Awesome Image
Awesome Image

Why choose EmploymentWorks?

Here is what sets EmploymentWorks apart:

Individualized Support

Participants receive person-centered support as they develop skills needed to prepare for, find, and keep a job. Other supports include 24/7 access to mental health services and resources, and 'on-the-job supports' such as job coaching if needed.

Individualized Support

Learn through Experience

From paper to practice - participants get to apply soft skills in real workplace settings and gain hands-on experience.

Learn through Experience

Inclusion...Walk the Talk

Many employers talk about inclusion, but fall short in their actions. Getting involved in EmploymentWorks builds greater awareness of the benefits and value of employing a diverse workforce.

Inclusion...Walk the Talk

Job Sampling

Sometimes, we don't know what we don't know! Job sampling provides exposure to a variety of job sites giving participants insight into how their skills can be applied across different workplace settings.

Job Sampling

Adult Learning

Grounded in adult learning principles, the program strongly recognizes each participant’s need to influence their own learning.

Adult Learning

Learn with Others

Participants get to share program experiences with the support of their peers - a unique and valuable opportunity!

Learn with Others

Awesome Image

Get Involved

Are you ready to get involved? Please select the appropriate box below:

For Participants

Looking for work? Unsure where to start? If you identify as autistic, neurodiverse and/or a person with a disability, EmploymentWorks might just be for you!

For Mentors

Mentors provide support, reinforcement, and positive role modeling and in turn, develop communication, leadership, and people skills. Volunteer today!

For Employers

Meet individuals that are known to be reliable and dedicated employees that can excel in the workplace. Opportunity is knocking!

For Agencies

The EmploymentWorks program has been successfully delivered in 18 locations in 7 provinces across Canada. Get on board!