Eric was first introduced to the Employment Services program through the support of his high school resource teacher, a kind-hearted person with determination to help lead him on the path to a successful future. Following his graduation, Eric eagerly enlisted into this program where he received guidance in preparing a resume and honing his interview skills, helping him secure his first job at a local grocery store. During the first of his years with Employment Services, Eric experienced an array of job opportunities including the roles of grocery clerk, janitorial services, courier, and event maintenance & cart caller for Baldoon Golf Course. Over time, the program was able to find him the perfect fit as a laborer with the Community Co-operative Employment Initiative (CCEI).
In this position, Eric was tasked with the responsibility of greasing parts and readying them for shipping. While employed, Eric gained workplace experience and worked alongside an amazing team of people who made a positive impact.
Eric credits the routine work and repetition of this job with instilling the motivation to maintain a high level of workplace efficiency. Facing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, like many other businesses, CCEI closed operations and laid off workers, including Eric. Remaining by his side, dedicated Employment Services staff was quick to help Eric update his resume and begin searching for another perfect employment opportunity.
As their search continued, Employment Services discovered that Rulmeca Limited, a local material handling equipment supplier and partner of their program, had taken over the operations formerly managed by CCEI and was hiring general laborers. While this was great news, the timing was not great for Eric. A few months later, Rulmeca had another position come available and because of the steadfast support of Employment Services, Eric was ready, willing, and able take this job.
Employed with Rulmeca for 3 months, Eric continues to work as a general laborer greasing parts. With the assurance of Community Living Wallaceburg’s Employment Services program, Eric believed in himself and his future. Through the programs steadfast support, Eric has achieved employment that allows him to make a great wage in a job that he loves, with the added benefit of working alongside an awesome team of co-workers. A perfect example that with the right supports, people can dream, believe, overcome and achieve: Eric’s dream to save enough money to purchase a pool for he and his family to enjoy is on it’s way to becoming a reality. He has even begun investing in his future by contributing towards an RDSP (registered disability savings plan) and pensions.