male construction worker
female baker
male truck driver
Female Lab worker

January 2023

Focused Skills and Experience for Kenneth

The Youth Job Connection program at YES is popular with its participants.  Many clients who come through the program recommend it to siblings, friends and neighbours.  For Kenneth, the recommendation to join the YJC program came from his room-mate.  Kenneth had been laid off during the pandemic and had just never bounced back after becoming unemployed.  He knew he needed to work, but he didn’t just want any job, he wanted a career.  He was interested in working with food but wasn’t sure how to get started in the industry.  He needed help.

Kenneth took his room-mate’s recommendation and in November, he began step one of the YJC program: paid pre-employment training.  He was glad to have an income right away.  He also appreciated the help he received in creating a resume designed to get his foot in the door with an employer who would provide him with experience in the food industry.  He also appreciated the personal assistance from his YES, Youth Worker Tom.

Participants complete 60 hours of paid pre-employment training before moving on to step two in the program:  a paid job placement.  Since Kenneth had a job goal in mind, it was easier for our Employer Relations team to connect him with opportunities.  Employer Relations Coordinator, Kevin was on the case.  He connected with a number of employers before identifying what he thought was the perfect opportunity for Kenneth. 

George’s Market was looking for help in their Deli.  The Christmas season is a busy time for George’s Market.  People count on this local business for gifts, Christmas trees and all the food that makes holiday meals so special.  Kenneth was excited when Kevin told him that George’s was hiring.  The business is just two minutes from Kenneth’s home and he knew it had a great reputation in the community.  Kevin set up a “meet and greet” which went well.   A start date was set and Kenneth was excited to get started.

Just a few weeks into his placement, Kevin spoke with Kenneth about the job.  He loved the location.  He loved that the job was busy and fast-paced and he was getting a lot of hours.  Kevin talked to the employer as well.  He was thrilled to hear that they had asked Kenneth if he wanted to start cross-training in their bakery and they were happy with how he was fitting in so well with the team.  

We want to congratulate Kenneth on his success and applaud his work ethic and ability to pick up his deli skills so quickly.  Special thanks to George’s Market for offering this great opportunity to a young person in our community.  If you would like personal support as you pursue the first steps toward your career goal, call (807) 623-0768 or e-mail: resource@yesjobsnow.com.  Book an appointment directly from here.

Holiday Hamper Winners

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Holiday Hampers. We collected items for two hampers this year. Our Resource Area hamper winner was Janine (top photo). The winner of the hamper for our Youth Job Connection groups was Anastasia. Congratulations!

Official Service Hub Grand Opening

Thank you to everyone who joined YES, Contact North / Contact Nord and Working Warriors for the official Grand Opening of our Service Hub. We look forward to our ongoing partnership and helping clients access employment, training and education under one roof.

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