TORONTO, Ontario, Canada – June 3, 2015 – On May 27, 2015, JVS Toronto’s held its 13th Annual Strictly Business Premiere Event and presented their Leaders in Employment Awards to three employers and one post-secondary institution for their innovative practices in support of youth, persons with disabilities, and newcomers to Canada. Two inspiring individuals were also honoured for their perseverance in overcoming significant circumstances to gain employment in their “dream” jobs.
JVS Toronto’s Leaders in Employment Awards, presented by lead sponsor CIBC, recognizes outstanding businesses and educational institutions who utilize the best employment practices that contribute to fully inclusive environments for youth, persons with disabilities and newcomers to Canada. These awards acknowledge employer efforts that go beyond the initial hiring and onboarding phases to ensure that employees receive continuous professional development and support that meet the unique needs of all employees.
“Recruitment of new staff is often seen as an end-state. In reality, investing in the potential of employees on an ongoing basis is like a journey,” states Lorie Shekter-Wolfson, President & CEO, JVS Toronto. “This year’s Leaders in Employment Award winners showcase targeted employee development programs that truly address the variety of needs and support of their diverse employee base.”
2015 Leaders in Employment Award Winners
Baruch – Individual Leader Award
Baruch, who is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), faced challenges to finding work despite having a Master of Information degree and a paralegal diploma. After participating in JVS Toronto’s ASD Job Readiness Program, he found his dream job at a local Toronto law firm.
Sammi – Individual Leader Award
Sammi had a difficult start as a youth and experienced early conflicts with the law. By refocusing on a positive life path and enrolling in JVS Toronto’s Toronto Youth Job Corps, Sammi is now a Community Outreach Worker for JVS Toronto’s Youth Services.
WSI – Leader that Best Supports Youth
WSI strives to hire young professionals who show potential. They support the success young employees with a fun workplace, mentoring, networking and extensive in-house training and professional development. WSI also offers a Young Entrepreneur Scholarship for $50,000.
INKAS Group of Companies – Leader that Best Supports Newcomers
INKAS actively hires internationally trained professionals and helps them integrate into the Canadian workforce by offering language classes, mentorship opportunities and specialized training.
Signs Restaurant & Bar – Leader that Best Supports Persons with Disabilities
Signs Restaurant & Bar is Canada’s first fully Deaf-staffed restaurant. Signs provide full training for inexperienced Deaf staff, designs their menus with American Sign Language to help customers order food, and aims to spread awareness of the Deaf Community across Canada.
York University – Career Services that Best Supports Students
York University’s Career Centre provides innovative online resources that offer career support, job search, experiential education and further studies to over 50,000 students each year.
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