The Program

What is EmploymentWorks ?

EmploymentWorks is a program that offers employment preparedness training and support, combined with job sampling and hands-on experience to autistic adults and persons with disabilities. The program is designed for individuals who want to enter or return to the workforce, and who are willing to develop and practice the skills needed to support employment success. The program is currently offered in two formats: EmploymentWorks Original (in-person), and EmploymentWorks Virtual (instructor led on-line). A new self-directed e-Learning version of the program is being developed for launch in early 2022, to improve accessibility and remove geographical barriers to program participation.
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The Program

How it Works

EmploymentWorks offers training for autistic adults and persons with disabilities (participants) who want to practice and develop the essential skills necessary to get and keep a job. At the same time, it offers volunteers (mentors) an opportunity to share their employment journeys, and employers direct experience integrating diverse individuals into their workplaces.

“EW Original” Program Overview

(in-person programming)

Phase 1: Manualized Program

For 12 weeks, up to 10 participants attend 2.5 hour sessions twice a week.

1. Structured Learning: Focused on career exploration, employment readiness and soft skills development. All participants are provided with access to LinkedIn Learning and 1000’s of professionally led courses and videos.

2. Job Sampling: Experiential learning for participants and employers in a variety of workplace settings.

Phase 2: Labour Market Participation

The final phase of the program is intended to support the transition from weekly programming and job sampling to active job seeking and employment. Approaches will vary by program location, but this may include 1:1 support and/or group based discussions, navigation to LinkedIn Learning courses for ongoing skill development, and connections to local employers and employment agencies.

EmploymentWorks Virtual

If you prefer a virtual learning environment, the instructor led EW Virtual Program may be for you! Click here to find out more.

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Why choose EmploymentWorks?

Here is what sets EmploymentWorks apart:

It's a Good Investment

Participants invest in their future, agencies invest in their communities (for a 1:4 Social Return on Investment) and employers meet tomorrow's employees, today (for free!)

It's a Good Investment

Learn through Experience

From paper to practice - participants get to apply soft skills in real workplace settings and gain hands-on experience.

Learn through Experience

Inclusion...Walk the Talk

Many employers talk about inclusion, but fall short in their actions. Getting involved in EmploymentWorks builds greater awareness of the benefits and value of employing a diverse workforce.

Inclusion...Walk the Talk

Job Sampling

Sometimes, we don't know what we don't know! Job sampling provides exposure to a variety of job sites giving participants insight into how their skills can be applied across different workplace settings.

Job Sampling

Adult Learning

Grounded in adult learning principles, the program strongly recognizes each participant’s need to influence their own learning.

Adult Learning

Learn with Others

Participants get to share program experiences with the support of their peers - a unique and valuable opportunity!

Learn with Others

Pour les participant.es

Cherchez-vous du travail? Vous demandez-vous par où commencer? Si vous êtes une personne autiste, neurodivergente ou en situation de handicap, Spectre Emploi pourrait être le programme qui vous convient!

Pour les mentors

Les mentors offrent du soutien, du renforcement et des modèles positifs aux participant.es et, en retour, perfectionnement leurs compétences de communication et de leadership ainsi que leurs aptitudes en relations humaines. Devenez bénévole dès aujourd’hui!

Pour les employeurs

Rencontrez des personnes fiables et dévouées qui présentent un excellent potentiel en tant que main-d’œuvre. C’est une occasion à ne pas manquer!

Pour les agences

En date de septembre 2021, le programme Spectre Emploi a été offert avec succès à plus de 150 reprises dans 7 emplacements au Canada. Participez dès maintenant!