HALDIMAND—We’ve all been frustrated with a job search that seems to lead nowhere at some point in our lives. For those going through that experience currently, Leap Employment Services is here to help Haldimand and Norfolk residents of all ability levels find that perfect job.
With over 20 years of experience, Leap works out of their central office at 2256 River Rd., Cayuga, but also operates a satellite office in Dunnville that offers remote services to area residents.
“We assist all types of job seekers, including people with employment barriers,” said Community Services Manager Kricia Gitta. “Whether a person is completing high school, looking to re-enter the workforce, or is considering a career change – Leap can help.”
A non-profit organization, Leap works with both employers and job seekers to ensure that job seekers find the best match suited to their employment skills.
Leap’s team of employment facilitators ensure they are familiar with local businesses and work hard to find job seekers that best meet the needs of their business.
“Being local and small we can ensure that only the best job matches are made between employers and job seekers,” said Gitta.
Leap is funded by Fed Cap Canada, which works alongside other local organizations and community partners to provide tailored support for unemployed people, including those with disabilities, to ensure sustainable employment.
Gitta shared the success story of Colin, a Leap patron who used the service to successfully transfer his existing job skills to a new location.
“Colin had a job he loved at the Canadian Tire in Waterdown … but relocated to Haldimand County,” explained Gitta.
Supported by Community Living Services, Colin expressed a desire to return to work and was directed to Leap. Colin began to meet with Leap Employment Facilitators, who assisted Colin to explore the job market around his new home.
This led to Leap connecting with Home Hardware in Dunnville. While they didn’t have a position at the time, they were willing to meet with Colin to conduct an interview and help him practice his interview skills.
Well, it turned out those skills must have been pretty good already, as Colin received a call to come in for a second interview shortly after the first.
“This interview involved the management and supervisor of the shipping and receiving department. Following that meeting Colin was offered a job,” said Gitta.
Colin is appreciative of the help he received, and reports being “really happy to have found a job that he loves and is now earning enough money to live comfortably.”
Some of the Leap services patrons like Colin can find are pre-employment classes, guidance through the employment process, job coaching, and continued support once on the job.
Colin shared his thoughts on the experience: “I am a shy person and meeting new people is difficult for me sometimes. I was also new to the area, and I didn’t know much about the community. The Leap Employment Services Staff were really great. They helped me find a job that I love, and Home Hardware is a really great place to work. I love it!”
It’s hard for Colin to put his finger on what he likes the most about his new job.
“There are too many aspects of my job that I love to pick just one. Learning about all of the products and how to use the scanner was challenging at first because it’s a big store and it is different than my last job,” he explained.
Colin recommended anyone in his shoes to contact Leap to get the same level of help that he did in finding a job.
“We currently do not have a long wait time to access service,” said Gitta. “We encourage anyone looking to start their employment journey to contact us today.”
To do so, visit leapemploymentservices.com, give them a call at 1888-909-LEAP (5327), or send an email to info@leapemploymentservices.ca.
Editor’s note – In the print version of this story, we incorrectly spelled Leap in all capitals letters, and we applied the acronym Learning, Empowerment, and Advocacy Program. The author noted the acronym on a Google search, but did not realize it was the slogan of a different group, also named Leap. The Press apologizes for the error.
