Program List
Building Opportunities with Business has a number of innovative employment programs that make up our suite of services. These include:
Transition & Support Program
The Transition & Support Program and offers a full range of supports and training to individuals with challenges to increasing thier income and employment status. These supports are offered to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, who have been volunteering or working in a social enterprise so that they are successful in obtaining and maintaining employment in the mainstream workforce. See a detailed description under Supported Employment Program.
Job Postings
Numerous local businesses who are committed to hiring locally and hiring in a socially responsible manner, post career opportunities on BOB's website and through the BOB's Employer Relations Specialist (ERS). We connect local employees to these jobs, providing assessments and referrals that fit the position and the employer.
Employer Engagement
We have a dedicated Employer Relations Specialist (ERS) who works with local businesses to hire locally and socially responsibly. Our ERS works with local employers to be a supportive work environment for their employees, and for those they hire that have faces challenges to employment.
Industry Nights
Industry Nights are mini "job fairs" for inner-city residents to highlight opportunities in specific industries. Employers from the industry are invited to be guest speakers to inform participants of employment opportunities. These events precede BusinessLinks, which are job-specific training programs sponsored by BOB. Industry Nights are open to the general public.
Employer Breakfasts
Employer Breakfasts sessions are held bi-monthly in partnership with the social enterprise, Potluck Cafe Society, to inform employers about resources available to them when hiring people with barriers. Examples of past employer breakfast themes include How to Prepare Your Organization To Hire People with Barriers, Mental Health in the Workplace and Addictions in the Workplace.
SHINE
These events are a partnership with Potluck Cafe Society and are open to anyone participating in a Transition & Support Program with BOB, or a partnering social enterprise. Participants have the opportunity to come for a meal, network and gain soft skills useful on the job. SHINE events are an information resource utilizing personality tests and employer guest speakers to help participants SHINE in their workplace.
BusinessLinks
A demand driven — customized training program for individuals working with social enterprises or volunteering with local non profits or shelter. The program ranges in length and included certification and information that may help bridge the gap to increased income and employment. Local employers are engaged in the design and implementation of the program and agree to interview the participants at the completion of the program. Some of the BusinessLinks programs to date include:
- Commercial cleaner
- Customer service
- Call centre
- Banquet and event serving
- Landscaping
- Hotel housekeeping training
- Food Services