Employment and Training Services

Q: What’s the fastest route back into the workforce if you’re unemployed?

Fred Victor’s Employment and Training Services know there are few successful fast tracks to employment.  Each person seeking work comes with a unique history.  Our aim is to engage people so they will find work, keep it and train for the future … in other words, find work that works!

Job-seekers are matched with a caseworker and together they develop an action plan.  The plan might include upgrading their skills or furthering their education and finally, finding the right job.

Fred Victor’s individual approach to finding and sustaining employment, uses employment specialists who possess unique knowledge and access to job related  networks. Fred Victor is one of many centres across Ontario funded by Employment Ontario.

For summaries of training opportunities, see below.  You must be receiving Ontario Works in order to qualify for these two workshops. 

Here are the training opportunities we offer:

• Career Directions in Hospitality for Ontario Works participants is a 10-week course for individuals interested in working in the food service industry.  The program includes a field placement in Fred Victor’s Friends Restaurant and the completion of recognized food handling certificates.
• Career Exploration is a 10-week course for people receiving Ontario Works who require additional one-on-one support in finding and keeping suitable employment.
• Community Volunteer Positions offer informal training and work experience within the Fred Victor community to people who are homeless or have very low incomes.
• Here is the calendar of what's coming up in May 2013.  Book on the link below.
• Refer a friend to Fred Victor Employment and Training and win!  Check it out!

We now do on-line bookings for appointments and classes. Click here.

This Employment Ontario service is funded
in part by the Government of Canada.

Click here to DONATE to Fred Victor’s community programs.

Navigating the Maze

“Sometimes, you just need someone to shine a light when you’re feeling lost in the job search maze,” Lydia says.

Lydia Stouten is an employment specialist at Fred Victor Employment and Training Services on Queen Street just east of Sherbourne. It’s a well-worn neighbourhood with plenty of men and women out on the sidewalk making the best of the day or looking for a job.

Lydia specializes in shining a light for people who are trying to find their way in today’s job market.  She was hired this past fall as part of Fred Victor’s commitment to fulfilling the new approach to employment and training set out by funder, Employment Ontario.

“I help people to rebuild their lives by creating a foundation.  At Fred Victor Employment and Training, we’re a one-stop shop.  That means that the people who come to us can access whatever it is they need through this office." 

“The steps we take are different for each person because each person is different. But steps to creating a foundation and rebuilding a life might be: first, connecting a person with supportive housing, then helping them with a job search, and then helping them get a volunteer placement.

“Sometimes people despair and believe they will never work again.  Most people don’t have anyone in their corner.  Sometimes just seeing your resume in front of you and being able to say, ‘That’s me!’ is the turning point for someone who is really in the pit.”

In January 2011, Gail found herself living at Fred Victor Women’s Hostel.  She had never been in an emergency shelter before and she felt shattered.  She learned about Fred Victor Employment and Training Services, and so taking her courage in hand, she showed up at its door.  It was there she met Lydia who was determined to assist her to get her feet back on the ground in any way she could.  Lydia introduced her to Jennifer Moxon, (one of Fred Victor Housing Access Workers) and Jennifer was able to assist Gail in finding housing and healthcare. 

Gail talks about how quickly things began to improve once she met Lydia and Jennifer. “These people are godsent,” she says.  “Once they grab hold of you, they follow through until your feet are off the ground!”

She continues: “Lydia wanted me to work on my resume.  I told her I had records of my performance in past jobs.  The information I obtained helped me to build a stronger resume.  Now she is helping me to prepare for job interviews.”

The new provincial employment and training model emphasizes one-on-one assistance for people seeking employment.  It mirrors what would be called a case management approach in a social work setting.  The idea is to build a trusting relationship with a client.  This has been shown to be the most effective way of helping individuals succeed in meeting their job goals.