1. What are STRIDE’s Pre-Employment Services (PES)?
STRIDE’s Pre-Employment Services compliments our Employment Connections and Youth Employment programs. Our PES offers intense guidance and support in: establishing employment goals, career exploration, interpersonal skills for work, resume development, interview preparedness, training (Health & Safety, WHMIS, Smart Serve, etc.) job searching and more.
2. How do I access Pre-Employment Services?
Pre-Employment Services are accessed through either the Employment Connections or the Youth Employment programs. If you are interested in our Pre-Employment Services, please complete our Referral Form and Additional Client Information Form. You can also phone our central number at (905) 693-4252 and request the forms be mailed to you. You can then either email the completed forms to info@stride.on.ca, fax them to 905-875-9262 or drop them off at one of our offices. Once we receive your referral forms you will be contacted within a few days to let you know about next steps.
3. What kind of support can I expect from Pre-Employment Services?
You can expect a high level of support from our Pre-Employment Specialists in both one-to-one and group settings. You will learn a variety of skills necessary for landing and keeping that job.
4. What will be expected of me while I access Pre-Employment Services?
You will be expected to be engaged in the process and to stay in contact with your Pre-Employment Specialist. Attending meetings, workshops and trainings will be part of the process. You may also be expected to complete employment assessments and participate in activities that will help us to assess your needs.
5. What can I expect to achieve with Pre-Employment Services?
What you will achieve will depend on your employment goals and needs. At a minimum, upon completion of this service, individuals can expect to have developed a professional resume, tailored cover letters, practiced and received feedback on their interview skills, and learned job search skills. Depending on which workshops or trainings you choose to participate in, you may also learn valuable employment skills such as communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, time management, workplace etiquette and self-care. We also offer certification training for Smart Serve, Safe Food Handling, Health & Safety and WHMIS. By the end of your time with Pre-Employment Services, you should feel confident and ready to begin looking for work on your own or with our help.
6. Where will we meet?
Meetings will take place at one of STRIDE’s offices located in Oakville, Milton or Georgetown. If you are not able to travel to one of our offices, we will make arrangements to meet with you somewhere close to your home, in your local community.
7. How long will it take me to complete Pre-Employment Services?
Depending on your needs, you could complete these services within one to two weeks, or you could spend up to 8 weeks completing various Pre-Employment activities.
8. What happens when I’m finished with Pre-Employment Services?
Once you have completed Pre-Employment Services, you should be ready to move forward with your job search with your Employment Specialist, Youth Employment Specialist and/or Job Developer.
9. What is a Job Developer?
Our Job Developers build strong relationships with local employers to assist and ease the hiring process for our clients. The Job Developer can help negotiate with employers for your specific needs on the job. If requested, Job Developers may assist you to retain your job by supporting feedback and communication between you and your employer.