For over 30 years, Sudbury-based Spark Employment Services (Spark) has helped job-seekers secure employment through its various programs. Spark works with its clients to assess motivation and develop Employment Services and Employment Action Plans. Those looking for a career change are able to engage in supported job search opportunities and career exploration while accessing upskilling and retraining programs.
Engagement Specialist/Job Developer Teresa Kwakwa-Danso says, “Spark facilitates the training, skills and experience people need to achieve labour market goals. It aims to connect people looking for work with employers looking for workers in and around the Sudbury area to help with job search and employment and training opportunities.”
Supporting Job Seekers During Challenging Times
Finding employment during the pandemic has proved to be difficult for many. Spark can help by allowing job seekers to gain access to new opportunities through empowerment. Engagement Specialist/Job Developer Dhwani Bhatia says, “We equip them (job seekers) with skills that can increase the number of job opportunities.” We also:
- Help job seekers enhance their computer literacy skills through workshops;
- Provide assistance with resume creation, job search and interview preparation;
- Help boost clients’ experience through job trials and placements.
Connecting Job Seekers and Employers
Spark offers services to two types of clients - employers looking to fill vacancies, get support with job grant applications, post jobs; and individuals searching for a job or wanting to develop and enhance their skills.
Through working with both employers and job seekers, Spark is able to effectively match individuals with the right skills to satisfy employers’ needs.
Bhatia adds, “Spark also provides financial assistance to the employer for job trials, training for employees such as the Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG), funding for the apprenticeship program, training incentives etc.”
How Can Employers Rebuild the Community During Challenging Times?
Despite the current situation, there are ways for employers to support the community and those looking for work.
Kwakwa-Danso says, “Employers need to be creative and innovative by creating new business opportunities to maintain employees. They also need to take their attention from profit maximization to helping maintain their workforce as much as possible. This will help to ease the stress the pandemic has brought to job seekers.”
She adds that employers must also take advantage of the monetary support offered by the Government to help maintain their workforce and minimize layoffs.
When it comes to newcomers, Bhatia says employers should provide them with a chance to enter the labour market to gain practical experience through job trials and placement. “Employers should also give a chance to those experiencing barriers and who require additional support from the employer.” For current employees, she recommends that employers invest in training and promoting them, when possible.
Spark’s Program Offerings
Spark’s wide range of programs support individuals in finding their next job opportunity. The organization aims to help its clients succeed. Programs geared at job seekers include:
- Employment Counselling
- Microsoft Essential training
- Soft Skills training for newcomers
- EDGE Program
- Career Development Services,
- Resume and Cover Letter Preparation,
- Online Training & Certifications,
- Job Matching & Wage Subsidies
- Facilitate Second (SC) application for individuals wanting to be retrained in a career of their dreams and
- COJG applications for employers
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.