February Newsletter
Integrated Employment Services Help Lewis Reach his Employment Goals!
After relocating from Peterborough to Thunder Bay, Lewis was on a mission. As an immigrant with an open work permit, his primary goal was to secure employment that would support his path to permanent resident (P.R.) status in Canada. Lewis was already familiar with Employment Ontario programs and actively sought out YES based on his experience with a Peterborough service delivery provider. A local friend had also had a positive experience finding work with help from YES programs. This made Lewis optimistic that YES could help him find the right opportunity.
Lewis began working with YES in the summer, initially focusing on labour roles and exploring opportunities in construction. With the support of his YES Employment Coordinator Sylvia, and Employer Relations Coordinator Derland, he updated his résumé and with their help, began applying to suitable positions. “I liked the ease of working with Sylvia and Derland, and I was grateful for the connections that YES had to employers”, Lewis said. As the job search progressed, Lewis realized that many construction roles were seasonal and would not align with his long-term goal of achieving permanent residency. With guidance from his YES team, he remained flexible and open to other options, including administrative roles, while keeping his main criteria in mind: finding an employer willing to support his journey toward P.R. status.
Sylvia worked closely with YES Employer Relations Coordinator Derland, who connects with local businesses who have positions to fill. Together, the two continued to identify and review potential roles with Lewis, working with him to apply to positions that met his goals. Lewis found Sylvia’s approach both encouraging and practical, which helped him stay confident and motivated throughout the process. He was especially grateful for the strong employer connections YES provided.
When Toodaloo Pest Control and Wildlife Services posted an opening for a Pest Control Technician, Lewis recognized that the position aligned with his needs. The role met the criteria required to support his pathway to permanent residency, and following a successful interview, Sylvia arranged an Integrated Employment Services (IES) placement with the company. He started his position in October 2025.
In January, YES followed up with Lewis and learned that Toodaloo Pest Control & Wildlife Services had officially hired him after he completed his IES placement. Lewis remains committed to staying in Thunder Bay and contributing his skills and knowledge to the business. He also looks forward to meeting his goal of is goal of receiving his Permanent Residence status. Congratulations on your success Lewis, and many thanks to Toodaloo Pest Control and Wildlife Services for working with YES and providing opportunities to job seekers in our community.
Every job seekers has different needs and goals. We work with you to meet yours. Our programs and services are for job seekers of all ages and skill levels and we work with businesses in all sectors. If you would like help with your job search, request an appointment.
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Community Engagement
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, our booth giveaways featured a YES cooler bag and Valentine’s treats at two events on January 28th. Left: Marketing/Outreach Coordinator Sharon Kovacic exhibited a Lakehead University’s Onward and Upward Career Fair that took place in the Agora. Right: Employment Relations Coordinators Tracy Laffin and Matthew White exhibited at the Prosperity Northwest Conference and Trade Show. Hosted by the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Anishnawbe Business Professional Association, Prosperity Northwest focuses on connecting professionals in the mining, forestry, bioeconomy, and energy sectors.
Our team participated in the Cannexus Conference that took place in Ottawa from January 26th to 28th. Executive Director, Lorna Hunda, Finance Manager, Kristine Silvaggio, Annie Pepin, Employment Coordinator/Outreach, and Derland Otu, Employer Relations Coordinator attended impactful career development sessions. The conference explores innovative approaches in career and workforce development, and we were able to connect with delegates from across Canada and around the world.
Testimonial alert. We are so grateful for all of the local businesses who recognize the value of the programs we deliver. Visit the Employer’s page of our website to read Jarrod Grasley’s testimonial. Take advantage of the Employment Ontario programs that can help you recruit, onboard and retain staff! https://yesjobsnow.com/employers/