A new program aimed at diversifying the workforce is launching in Timmins.
March of Dimes Canada, Northern College and the Canadian Hearing Society are teaming up to run an EmployAll program that supports employers and people with disabilities find long-term work. The March of Dimes says this is a provincially funded program that help businesses with training costs and support systems. Ainslie Armstrong says with labour market shortages in the region, hiring someone with a disability would fill the gaps and help the community.
Armstrong says there are some myths that circulate around hiring someone with a disability, including:
- They won’t be reliable and miss a lot of work
- More likely to get injured on the job
- Lots of worker turnover
- Won’t do as good of a job as someone else
Eastview RV Timmins Service Manager Guy Moisan says these are just myths that he wants to break. Moisan says he has an employee with disabilities who has broken all these myths and become one of his best workers.
Northern College Employment Options and Academic Upgrading Manager Kelly Torresan says there are many benefits to this program. Torresan says there are subsidies available to help businesses pay and train the employee.
She says some of this training can include SmartServe, AODA training, other licensing and purchasing special equipment.Â
People interested in the program can contact Employment Options, the Canadian Hearing Society or March of Dimes.