In 1986, with a staff of nine, the community-based employment service organization now known as ACCES Employment opened its doors. Fast forward 39 years and the organization now employs over 250, has seven offices throughout the Greater pc28Area, and has become a leader in workforce development locally, provincially, and more broadly.
According to Allison Pond, ACCES Employment’s president and CEO, even in the organization’s earliest years, it was common to see many jobseekers — particularly internationally trained and marginalized workers — placed in positions that didn’t match their education or past experience.
“It quickly became evident to our team that ensuring jobseekers had access to programs and job search services that were customized to their individual needs and built upon their existing skills and experience, would help them thrive in their career,” she said.
Jobseekers and employers network at ACCES Employment’s Speed Mentoring Marathon®
Contributed
Pioneering a new and unique approach to employer engagement, the ACCES team began to focus on bringing in employers to not only contribute to the design of programs offered to jobseekers, but to connect them with skilled workers with diverse backgrounds.
In doing so, the non-profit began to foster a more inclusive Canadian labour force where talented jobseekers had increased opportunities to find work that aligned with their education, experience, and career aspirations.
More than three decades later, and with an unwavering commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, ACCES continues to focus on helping build a labour force that reflects the diversity, skills, and experience of Canada’s population.
With roughly 86 per cent of the organization’s over 56,000 annual clients being newcomers, its reputation for creating opportunities to help jobseekers overcome barriers is well known.
Besides language competency and cultural understanding, Pond said that one of the most common barriers is that many jobseekers struggle to make the professional connections they need to help them find work that matches their education and experience.
“We’ve also found that gaps in work history or inconsistent work patterns over an extended period of time can create a challenge. The myth that education, credentials and experience outside of Canada is substandard makes it very difficult for new entrants to the workforce, and it’s just not the case.”
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
By providing an array of customized, specialized, no-cost recruitment services that support jobseekers and employers alike, ACCES aims to not only make the process of integrating into the Canadian job market easier, but to build a steady stream of skilled, much-needed newcomer talent.
“Immigrants bring global perspectives and economic value to our labour market, particularly in high-need sectors such as healthcare, trades, and technology,” said Pond.
“It’s widely known that demographic shifts such as low birthrate and an aging population will need to be offset with immigration and is necessary to build the workforce for the future. We need policies and resources to ensure Canada has the human capital needed for continued growth and prosperity.”
By providing comprehensive, tailored support to jobseekers and employers alike, ACCES helps facilitate long-term employment success and prosperity while building strong networks in collaboration with community partners.
For more information about ACCES Employment’s expansive programs and services, visit .
DISCLAIMER: This content was funded and approved by the advertiser.
