July 2023
Building on Career Success with Employment Ontario Programs
YES is thrilled to share a success story that exemplifies the power of employment programs and the impact they can have throughout a person’s career. Join us in extending a warm welcome to Jason, who has recently joined the YES Employment Services team, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a passion for working with people.
Jason’s career began in Thunder Bay, when he graduated with a Fine Arts degree from Lakehead University. He was eager to launch a career that would allow him to express his artistic talents. However, as time went on, Jason found himself struggling to find the ideal job opportunity.
Reflecting on his experience, Jason recalled, “If I wanted to go fight forest fires or plant trees, there were lots of options,” but he couldn’t find the right path within his chosen field. The conventional job routes seemed elusive, until he discovered the support of the programs available at YES Employment Services.
Through his connection with YES, Jason gained access to personalized assistance for his job search, and with this support, he began a placement with Definitely Superior, a gallery in Thunder Bay known for its focus on local art and programs. It was at Definitely Superior where Jason got his first taste of the art world, immersing himself in the vibrant creative community.
After several months, as Jason was preparing to take on administrative programming responsibilities at the gallery, funding decisions unfortunately led to its closure. Once again facing unemployment, Jason decided to head to Vancouver, equipped with the experience he had gained at Definitely Superior. His determination and perseverance paid off, and he secured a fulfilling position at Place Des Arts in Coquitlam, where he honed his skills as a Program Coordinator for over a decade.
In 2005, with his career experience in hand, Jason made his way back to Thunder Bay. This time, he swiftly secured a position at The Framing and Art Center, dedicating 14 years to the establishment until its closure in the summer of 2022. Uncertain about his next steps, Jason found himself in need of guidance and support.
Recalling the valuable assistance he had received from YES Employment Services in the past, Jason decided to reach out once again. Making an appointment with a YES Career Development Practitioner, he discovered that some job postings were available within the agency itself. Leveraging his strong background in customer service, Jason jumped on the opportunity and successfully secured an interview for the Administrative Assistant position.
The interview went exceptionally well, and within a half hour of returning home, Jason received a call from YES Employment Services requesting his references. He was offered the position on a Friday and embarked on his new journey with YES the following Monday.
Jason’s exceptional people skills and his passion for community-based work have proved to be an invaluable addition to the YES Employment Services team. We thank Jason for letting us share his story. It illustrates the value of Employment Ontario programs, providing the necessary support to connect individuals with meaningful work opportunities throughout their careers.
If you or someone you know is seeking guidance in their job search or career development, we encourage you to reach out to YES Employment Services. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to support you every step of the way.
Celebrating a Successful Year of Service
The YES Leadership team hosted a staff appreciation evening at Montana’s on June 5th. It was a fun team event with great food, wonderful service and a well-deserved celebration for a successful year of service to our clients and our community.
Our Memorial Scholarship is back for 2023. Any client who has registered with YES Employment Services within the last year (September 2022 – September 2023) and will be attending post-secondary education in the fall of 2023 (diploma, degree or certificate program) is eligible to apply. Proof of enrollment is required prior to awarding the scholarship. Friday September 1st, 2023 is the application deadline. You can pick up an application at YES, or e-mail resource@yesjobsnow.com. Good luck to all!
Our team got together on June 22nd to do our part to “Spring Up to Clean Up”. We worked in groups to clean up the area around YES all the way up to Memorial Avenue. It’s great to see everything looking spic and span as we head into summer.