A little over a year ago, a pandemic caught the world by surprise. Since then, people have had to adapt and pivot in the way they conduct business and live their lives. From school to grocery shopping to family gatherings – everything has changed. In particular, the work landscape has completely shifted.
When Employment Ontario’s Employment Services offices closed in March 2020, Spark Employment Services (Spark) seamlessly transitioned to virtual service delivery and has since been providing its clients with personalized services and support via email, telephone, video meetings and other virtual means.
With ongoing public health restrictions in place, many businesses have faltered, while others are operating remotely with many staff working from home. As a result, there has been an increase in demand within the healthcare, information, communications and technology industries. Positions such as delivery drivers, nurses, information/technology specialists and personal support workers need to be filled.
Of course, the pandemic has without a doubt negatively impacted other industries such as restaurants, hair and nail salons, clothing stores, travel and hospitality and more. As COVID-19 continues to challenge our way of life, Spark continues to find modern and innovative ways to serve its clients while adhering to provincial health guidelines. As always, Spark remains flexible and adaptable to whatever the future may hold.
At Spark, employment counselling and career development services are delivered remotely via Zoom, Microsoft Teams or telephone. Employment Specialists continue to adapt services to each client’s needs and digital/technical capacity. Spark’s Training and Skills Development program also offers its classes and workshops such as E.D.G.E. Leadership+, Microsoft© Office Workplace Essentials and Soft Skills Solutions© online and provides special supports such as free lending of laptops, webcams, internet hotspot devices and other technological equipment to learners in need.
In this ongoing time of uncertainty, a shift back to ‘normal’ is difficult to imagine, especially when it comes to work. Spark is here to help!
Has the COVID-19 pandemic left you unemployed or underemployed? Are you feeling stuck and struggling to define your new path to employment? At Spark, we can work with you to better understand which stage of change you are at and how to effectively plan the next steps towards your professional life.
For further information and details, please contact Spark Employment Services at 705-671-2544 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. The views expressed in this publication are the views of Spark Employment Services and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada or the Government of Ontario.