Our Program

The Job Shop welcomes people who are able to make a fast transition to employment through an accelerated job search. Individuals are accepted following a determination of their needs and readiness to return to work with the support of The Job Shop. Participants, at the time of their acceptance into the program, should believe themselves to be ready, willing, and able to return to work.

Ready - Participants should be ready to:

• Assess their own ability to participate fully in a job search, get a job, and keep their next job.
• Address any needs or issues that need attention now while they are in between jobs (e.g., housing, medical care, dental work, arrangements with creditors, etc.)
• Identify a reasonable employment goal (i.e., something they can do that someone will pay them for doing).
• Choose when and where they are willing to work (i.e., neighbourhood and hours);
• Engage with an employment counsellor in one-on-one coaching.

Willing - Participants should be willing to:

• Accept support, encouragement, and new ideas to increase the effectiveness of their job search.
• Follow up on necessary action steps to increase readiness to return to work.
• Actively engage in The Job Shop ( attending and participating at least 3hrs a day for 3 days every week plus the 1 1/2hr Tuesday Group)
• Develop targeted resumes and cover letters.
• Fax, email, or drop off applications.
• Make connections with potential employers who need employees and have the power to hire now.
• Keep a record of their job search.
• Participate in a weekly mutual support group.

Able - Participants should be able to:

• Honour their commitment to physically attend and fully participate in The Job Shop for at least ten and one-half hours per week.
• Sustain a directed and supported active job search until hired or until the end of their ten weeks.