May Newsletter
Roger’s Diligence and Determination result in Success with the help of the YES Resource Area
Roger first connected with YES in 2017, when he was looking for work that would utilize his skills and experience. At that time, Roger utilized the Employment Service program. Through that program, YES supported him in building a strong resume and helped connect him with a local company, where he secured contract work operating heavy equipment. Roger was responsible for a large plowing contract with the company and other heavy equipment contracts throughout the years. It was good work that served him well, but because the job was contract-based, Roger eventually wanted something steadier with better pay.
Roger returned to YES committed to his new goal. This time, he focused on a self‑directed job search in our Resource Area, our hub of service. The YES Resource Area is open to everyone in the community. Through this hub, YES offers computers with internet access, office equipment including a photocopier, printer, scanner and fax machines; all the resources required to conduct an effective job search. Roger became a regular in the Resource Area, working diligently and putting in the work to meet his goal of a steady job with better pay. “Everything I need is here,” Roger explained, “and the help from Shelley and Jason is truly appreciated.”
Roger’s persistence paid off. After sending out an impressive 140 resumes, he secured a full‑time position with excellent pay. He will be working one week in and one week out at a mining site near Chapleau, using his expertise as a Heavy Equipment Operator to help prepare the site. At 69 years old, Roger shared how grateful he is for the opportunity. He understands that while his experience and certifications are highly valuable, the company is also taking a chance by hiring someone who may commit to a shorter-term than a younger hire. We are so impressed by Roger’s determination, work ethic, and diligence, and we are proud to congratulate him on this well‑earned success.
If you are looking for work, you can choose to conduct a self-directed job search in our Resource Area like Roger, or you can make an appointment to work with one of our Employment Coordinators and receive personal support with your job search. Just walk in, call, or request an appointment on our website. The Employment Service program is funded by Employment Ontario so all the assistance you receive at YES is free.
Recruiters will be on site at YES on May 7th from 10am-4pm to provide information and assessment testing to applicants interested in Correctional Officer positions. Bring your resume and plan to arrive early enough to spend approximately 80 minutes completing the online assessment. Hundreds of positions need to be filled. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet directly with recruiters. Call 807-623-0768 to register. Request an appointment if you would like us to help you prepare: https://yesjobsnow.com/appointment/
Community Engagement and Beyond
On April 23rd, First Work, Ontario’s workforce development network, organized an Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park and YES was thrilled to join the advocacy group in meetings with members of government. YES Employment Services Executive Director, Lorna Hunda and Acting Service Delivery Manager, Tom Nesti joined fellow workforce development leaders for a morning reception and key meetings with members of government, where the value and impact of employment services were strongly reinforced. During our meetings, we emphasized the importance of investing in frontline workforce capacity, reducing administrative burden and strengthening sustainable funding so our organizations can continue supporting communities across Ontario. Our team would like to express gratitude to First Work for organizing the day and extend a thank you to the members of government and Parliamentary Assistants from key ministries who took the time to engage with us. We are committed to working together to develop practical solutions that respond to Ontario’s evolving labour market needs. First Work Ontario Stephanie Bowman MPP for Don Valley West. Michelle Cooper MPP for Eglinton-Lawrence and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Ontario Finance.
YES Employment Services Executive Director, Lorna Hunda and Acting Service Delivery Manager, Tom Nesti participated in First Work’s 2026 Amplify Leadership Summit in Toronto on April 22nd. It was an opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from Northwestern Ontario and across the province. Our team brought back valuable insights from the summit that will be key to improving how we support clients, employers and communities as we work within the Employment Ontario network and beyond. Thanks to First Work for your coordination and all of the leaders and colleagues who connected with us. This experience will help us build more coordinated and responsive services together. FirstWork
YES connected with community members at Fort William First Nation’s Career Fair on April 25th. Local businesses and organizations filled the Community Centre and job seekers were out in force. It was a great day of building relationships with the FWFN community.
April 22nd was Administrative Professionals Day and we celebrated our admin staff. Whether it is our frontline administrative professionals; Shelley and Jason, or the administrative staff in our finance office; Eric and Diego, we so appreciate all the work they do.
Giveaway Prize Winners!
April 10th was the draw date for both our client and business giveaway draws. We distributed rack cards with online ballot links to businesses at our Recruitment and Retention Conference, the Prosperity Northwest Conference and at Opportunities Northwest. Client rack cards were distributed at career fairs and events including Opportunities Northwest. Congratulations to the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association for winning a $150 pizza party gift card from Arnikko’s. Our client winner, Colby won a set of JBL Headphones. Thanks to everyone who entered!
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 Carm from Dawson Diner’s full testimonial. Take advantage of the Employment Ontario programs that can help you recruit, onboard and retain staff! https://yesjobsnow.com/employers/