Community Employment Program (CEP)

A significant part of the Anchor Industries Society (AIS) mandate is to empower individuals to find and secure meaningful work at a competitive wage. These goals are met in part through the Community Employment Program. This ever-evolving program is organized in such a way as to meet the needs of individuals in their various stages of vocational development.

The AIS Community Employment Program provides training and support through pre-employment training, life skills training, job readiness training, job development, job searching and job coaching as well as through follow along for clients and their employers.

Community Employment consists of both Internal and Direct Entry clients.

Many of the individuals who attend the Glendale site of AIS decide to pursue work placements in the community. AIS Employment Counsellors assist these "internal" clients with pre-employment strategies through the Job Readiness Program as well as with resume writing, job searching, job development, bus training, applications for wage subsidy, follow-along and many other aspects of work.

A number of individuals interested in Community Employment may not be current AIS participants. These "Direct Entry" clients complete an AIS application package indicating interest in the Community Employment Program. Those who meet AIS criteria for participation can be offered two options:

1. participation in a four-week vocational assessment placement at AIS to evaluate strengths and needs and to develop an employment action plan.

or

2. participation in the Job Readiness Level 1 & 2 course.
 

Community Employment Counsellors

AIS Employment Counsellors assist in employment planning, job developing, job searching, contacting employers and securing various job placements (volunteer, work  experience and paid). The Counsellors offer full support and on-site coaching, reducing support as progress is made and natural support becomes available. The Counsellors continue with follow-up visits to the place of employment indefinitely.

Benefits to Employees:

  • Invaluable training and experience
  • Maturity and increased self confidence
  • Development of community living skills
  • Paves the way to independent living
  • Increased personal growth
  • Personal income                                                                  


Benefits to Employers:

  • Access to a reliable and capable workforce
  • Education and awareness concerning people with disabilities in the workplace
  • Ongoing support and long-term follow-up
  • Assistance in obtaining wage subsidies
  • Eager and enthusiastic employees
  • On-site coaching