Making moves

Backstory: 

Recent high school grad, unsure about next steps, interested in working with children.

Big win: 

Hired at Heart of the Family Child Care Centre; thriving in full-time work and now pursuing Early Childhood Education in college.

How we helped: 

Career exploration, Youth Job Connection program, hands-on placement, ongoing encouragement.

From our team: 

“McKenna found her passion and ran with it — we continue to cheer her on.”

Backstory: 

Structural engineers from Afghanistan with Master’s degrees and years of experience; arrived in Canada as refugees, unfamiliar with the local labour market.

Big win: 

Hired as CAD Designers at EVB Engineering — their first jobs in Canada, setting them on the path to rebuilding their professional careers.

How we helped: 

One-on-one career support, employer outreach, job matching, and incentive programs to offset training costs.

From our team: 

“Saifullah and Babrak turned a new start into a professional success with determination and the right connections.”

Backstory: 

After a lengthy job search with no results, Samuel made a courageous decision to change careers and pursue AZ truck driver training through Better Jobs Ontario.

Big win: 

Samuel completed his AZ training, overcame language barriers, and landed a full-time truck driving role — building a stable future for his family.

How we helped: 

Career exploration, labour market research, Better Jobs Ontario application support, confidence building, and ongoing encouragement throughout training.

From our team: 

"Samuel's courage to start fresh — and his determination to see it through — is exactly what building a better future looks like."

Backstory: 

Relocated to Cornwall after a personal loss and faced housing changes while returning to work after more than 20 years with the same employer.

Big win: 

Secured a custodial position at a long-term care home and has been thriving in the role for 10 months.

How we helped: 

Career transition support, job search strategy, employer networking, confidence building, ongoing follow-up.

From our team: 

“Mark’s resilience and commitment turned a difficult chapter into a steady new beginning.”

Backstory: 

Wanted to move to Cornwall full-time, but faced transportation barriers and uncertainty about training versus immediate work.

Big win: 

Secured a hands-on recycling sorting role and is enjoying being back at work, feeling more motivated and satisfied.

How we helped: 

Readiness assessment, career exploration, job matching, practical placement support, and ongoing guidance.

From our team: 

“Chris stayed engaged, asked the right questions, and took steady steps forward. His return to work is well earned.”

Backstory: 

Brock came to Job Zone d’emploi looking for support to start an apprenticeship in the skilled trades. He was especially interested in becoming a Truck and Coach Technician, but without formal training or hands-on experience, he struggled to find an employer willing to take a chance on him.

Big win: 

After working with a Job Developer, Brock was successfully placed with Konink Logistics Inc. in Ingleside, Ontario. When his Job Zone d’emploi placement contract ended, he officially registered as a Truck and Coach Apprentice — and is now building a strong future in the trade with Konink.

How we helped: 

One-on-one support, career exploration, employer connection, placement assistance, and continued guidance along the apprenticeship pathway.

From our team: 

“Brock showed perseverance, curiosity, and commitment — and now he’s turning ambition into a career he can grow in for years to come.”