Making moves

Backstory: 

Had never worked before, unsure how to enter the workforce.

Big win: 

Hired as a cashier at Canadian Tire; earned 100% on a mystery shopper evaluation and now works full-time.

How we helped: 

Youth Job Connection program, pre-employment workshops, job placement, on-the-job coaching.

From our team: 

“Tia surprised herself — and us — with her hard work and success. Bravo!”

Backstory: 

Immigrated with post-secondary training in construction estimation but no Canadian trades experience; wanted to switch to plumbing.

Big win: 

Secured an apprenticeship at One-Call Plumbing; now gaining hands-on experience and building a future in the skilled trades.

How we helped: 

Resume building, interview prep, job matching, placement program, and career focus support.

From our team: 

“Rachid’s openness to learning helped him launch a whole new career — and it’s amazing to see him thrive.”

Backstory: 

Recent high school grad, interested in working with children, aiming for a future in Early Childhood Education.

Big win: 

Hired at A Child’s Secret Garden Daycare after a job shadow; now employed and enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program at St. Lawrence College.

How we helped: 

Youth Job Connection program, career exploration, placement support, ongoing encouragement.

From our team: 

“Jada found her spark working with kids — and we’re proud to see her growing toward her dream.”

Backstory: 

Skilled electrician from Mexico, came to Canada as a refugee; credentials not recognized, faced language barriers.

Big win: 

Secured an electrical apprenticeship at Latreille Electric; extended his work permit with employer support, now building his career in Canada.

How we helped: 

Career counseling, job matching, placement program, employer advocacy, and immigration support.

From our team: 

“Marcos showed incredible determination. We loved helping him rebuild his career here.”

Backstory: 

Kindergarten teacher from Ukraine; arrived as a refugee, faced language barriers and couldn’t work in her field.

Big win: 

Hired at a local bakery and as a cleaner at Winchester District Memorial Hospital; thriving in her new life and career.

How we helped: 

Career exploration, placement program, local employer connections, ongoing support.

From our team: 

“Tamara’s resilience is inspiring — she’s built a new chapter with real heart.”

Backstory: 

Biomedical Engineering graduate from Pakistan; immigrated to Canada with no local work experience, struggled with English, and faced unrecognized credentials.

Big win: 

Hired as a Customer Service Representative and New Product Development lead at ActivKare — finding meaningful work in the healthcare sector.

How we helped: 

Job search assistance, connection to the Job Matching Placement program, and support securing a placement aligned with her skills.

From our team: 

“Sidra overcame barriers to start a meaningful career in Canada — and our community is lucky to have her!”