Preparing Job Seekers for Success

Workplace Essential Skills Partnership For the past three years, the Workplace Essential Skills Partnership (WESP) has been delivering outstanding services and support to persons with disabilities in the Greater Toronto Area.

WESP is a four-week employment program of the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) that attracts persons with disabilities who want to enhance their skills and emerge or re-emerge into the workforce.

“The clients who participate in WESP are highly motivated to find meaningful employment. From all different backgrounds, professions and disabilities, the program gives them job-ready skills to find a career path that matches their skills and abilities,” says Evelyn Gold, Manager, CCRW, WESP.

WESP’s continuous intake and professional client assessments help prepare job seekers with disabilities with the skills they need to find meaningful employment. A program managed by the CCRW, WESP is partnered with and located at CNIB.

During the workshop, clients experience leading-edge training that enhances their job-readiness, including effective communication, resumé writing and interview skills.

Clients enjoy the unique benefits of WESP: professional intakes, assessments and return-to-work action plans; assistance from a full-time job developer; connections to employers; and workplace accommodation and consultation.

The success of WESP is made possible through the client’s achievements, and through equitable employers who are committed to diversity and inclusion. Armed with an incredible employment record, clients and employers involved with WESP are working together to create diverse workplaces full of top talent.

After clients have completed the program, the WESP team continues to motivate those who are still seeking employment by working with them in the Job Finding Club. Facilitators urge clients to achieve their goals through peer support, while making additional employment support available.


Joanne Wai’s Success with WESP

After two years of working with an employment service provider on her job search without any results, Joanne Wai decided to try job searching on her own. When she wasn’t receiving calls for interviews, she came to WESP, which assisted her in jump-starting her career.

“The WESP workshop gave me the inside scoop in employment trends, assistance with editing my cover letter and resumé, and opportunities to network with employers and other job seekers. The facilitators offered participants priceless career advice,” says Joanne.

Joanne heard about an available job at a local doctor’s office through another client’s contacts. With her polished cover letter, resumé and interview skills, she applied, received a call, was interviewed, and was then offered a transcriber position that accommodated her needs.

Still employed, Joanne is holding a position in which she never saw herself. She is excited about learning new terminology and skills, while enhancing what she already knows.

Proudly, Joanne exclaims, “It feels good to say, ‘I am working again!’”


Find YOUR Success with WESP

WESP is hosting a job fair on May 14, 2008, at CNIB, and is inviting job seekers with disabilities and employers from all over the GTA to participate. Job seekers should be equipped with resumés, the motivation and skills to work, and the anticipation of meeting future employers. Employers are invited to bring their top recruiters, and to meet and interview qualified candidates.

For more information about the event, WESP or CCRW, please send an email to info@ccrw.org or visit us online at www. ccrw.org.


Highlights of WESP Workshops

Cover letter and resume writing
Employer networking sessions
Interview preparation
Goal setting
Personal values
Team building
Workplace culture and etiquette
Job accommodations
Workplace health and safety
Employment Equity Act
Employer guest speakers
WESP reaches out to employers and the community!

In addition to employment workshops, WESP organizes and hosts educational events for employers and the community to raise awareness around disability issues in the workplace.

Keep informed - visit www.ccrw.org or call 1-800-664-0925.