July 2024
Mark finds Career Success through the Ontario Job Creation Partnership Program
YES Employment Services is proud to connect unemployed workers with projects in our community through the Ontario Job Creation Partnership (OJP) Program. The Friends of Chippewa Park, a local nonprofit organization, applied for funding to hire individuals to complete a list of projects designed to revitalize the park and update and repair the park’s infrastructure. The position was posted in the YES Resource Area when Mark came in to seek help with his job search. He was new to Thunder Bay but he had some good solid experience in construction. His general knowledge and diverse skill set made him an ideal candidate for the “jack of all trades” position.
Mark had recently arrived in Thunder Bay from Oshawa and he was familiar with the help available through Employment Ontario programs. After our Resource staff welcomed him, it was determined that he was eligible to meet with one of our Career Development Practitioners (CDP’s). While he was waiting to meet with YES CDP, Jacob Jordan, Mark spied the OJP job posting and was immediately interested. Participation in Ontario Job Creation projects requires meeting some basic criteria and completing a needs assessment, but first Jacob discussed all of Mark’s options with him. Once it was determined that the program was a good fit, Jacob created an Employment Service Plan and helped facilitate Mark’s OJP application. He wrote a rationale identifying Mark’s suitability for the program. After a meeting with the funder, Mark was on his way to meeting with Project Manager, Iain Angus from The Friends of Chippewa Park. Mark was successful every step of the way, and he was working at the park less than two weeks after he arrived in Thunder Bay.
Meeting Mark on-site, it was clear that he was the right person for the job. He was working on building a protective structure to house an antique band organ. He also had several projects on the go, building some change rooms putting a new subfloor and vinyl planks in the lifeguard station and doing some work on the park’s pavilion. Mark is acting as the go-to for other employees hired for the position. His expertise is a great fit for The Friends of Chippewa Park projects and we are thrilled to have recommended him for this partnership program that will surely have a lasting impact on the success of Chippewa Park for years to come. YES would like to congratulate Mark on his position and thank the Friends of Chippewa Park for their dedication to making a difference in our community.
YES programs are for job seekers of all ages and skill levels. If you would like assistance working toward your career goals, Call 807-623-0768 to schedule an appointment. Walk in to our office, or request an appointment.
Community Engagement
YES was excited to be exhibiting at MATAWA Health Care Cooperative’s “Circle of Belonging” Youth Mental Health Summit at the NorWester Hotel on June 12th and 13th. The conference had a great line up of speakers, sessions and activities. Shanelle and Rori stopped by to spin the YES wheel for some SWAG. ᒪᑕᐧᐊ Matawa First Nations @Matawa Education & Care Centre
YES exhibited at this year’s Mining Day Thunder Bay event this year on June 15th! Our booth in the Miner’s Tent saw over 150 visitors.
On Wednesday June 26th, YES hosted a group from Costa Rica who are part of Lakehead University’s English Innovation Program, focused on career development. We provided resume and cover letter information along with job search tips. We want to thank the students for attending! You all made it a great session. @mylakehead #community #tbay