Graduates train for and are employed in industries such as:
● Distribution centres
● Environmental services
● Financial services
● Food services
● Healthcare
● Hospitality
● Manufacturing
● Municipal and regional governments
● Utilities
● Distribution centres
● Environmental services
● Financial services
● Food services
● Healthcare
● Hospitality
● Manufacturing
● Municipal and regional governments
● Utilities
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Deby
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Deby embarked on her Project SEARCH journey in 2012 with hopes of an office job, but her infectious energy led her to unexpected paths. Thriving in Manitoba Hydro's fast-paced Computer Operations, she discovered a love for teamwork and hustle. Though she briefly tried office work, it was at the Materials Distribution Agency where she found her calling, packing orders with precision.
Her hard work paid off, leading to a permanent position in 2020. Since then, Deby has excelled in the provincial warehouse, mentoring new students and playing vital roles in the vaccination wing. Outside of work, she's embraced life-changing experiences, from trips to her birth country, Argentina, to buying her own car and earning her driver's license. Grateful for Project SEARCH's impact, Deby sees it not just as a program for job skills, but as a catalyst for personal growth and lasting connections.
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The employment rate of Canadian adults with intellectual disabilities is estimated at only 26%,
according to a 2020 analysis of Statistics Canada data. Work-based training is a key enabler for
youth so that they gain the skills needed for entry-level employment opportunities in today’s
workforce. Enter the Project SEARCH international model. Andrew participated in the first-ever
program in Toronto, which launched in 2019.
Andrew’s first Project SEARCH work placement was at Holland Bloorview’s Foundation, where
he counted cash donations, updated the donor database, prepared information packages and
conducted tours. Andrew also worked with the hospital’s client registration team recording visits
and health equity data. “I loved working in the Foundation offices and learning about
fundraising,” Andrew said.
Two months after graduation, Andrew joined the hospital’s Foundation team as the first
recruit from this new talent pool. Andrew is the stewardship and administration assistant.
Watch Andrew’s story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obBn-HOnZIw
according to a 2020 analysis of Statistics Canada data. Work-based training is a key enabler for
youth so that they gain the skills needed for entry-level employment opportunities in today’s
workforce. Enter the Project SEARCH international model. Andrew participated in the first-ever
program in Toronto, which launched in 2019.
Andrew’s first Project SEARCH work placement was at Holland Bloorview’s Foundation, where
he counted cash donations, updated the donor database, prepared information packages and
conducted tours. Andrew also worked with the hospital’s client registration team recording visits
and health equity data. “I loved working in the Foundation offices and learning about
fundraising,” Andrew said.
Two months after graduation, Andrew joined the hospital’s Foundation team as the first
recruit from this new talent pool. Andrew is the stewardship and administration assistant.
Watch Andrew’s story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obBn-HOnZIw
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Jesse Burtt joined the Project SEARCH Hamilton team in October 2021 as one of
the pioneering Interns. He is the first Intern from the Hamilton site to secure
gainful employment after moving out of the city that hosted Project SEARCH.
Through a challenging year with both in-person and remote learning, Jesse
worked hard to enhance his employability skills in the Project SEARCH program.
By developing his self-confidence, flexibility, communication, independence and
professionalism, Jesse was able to secure a position in the Facilities Department
at Simcoe Travelodge, a well-known chain of motor hotels that has over 435
locations worldwide. Jesse has proven to be a positive and successful staff
member, working diligently to maintain the high operational and safety standards
of his employer.
the pioneering Interns. He is the first Intern from the Hamilton site to secure
gainful employment after moving out of the city that hosted Project SEARCH.
Through a challenging year with both in-person and remote learning, Jesse
worked hard to enhance his employability skills in the Project SEARCH program.
By developing his self-confidence, flexibility, communication, independence and
professionalism, Jesse was able to secure a position in the Facilities Department
at Simcoe Travelodge, a well-known chain of motor hotels that has over 435
locations worldwide. Jesse has proven to be a positive and successful staff
member, working diligently to maintain the high operational and safety standards
of his employer.
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Erin graduated from Project SEARCH Toronto in June 2022 and immediately landed a job at
UHN-Toronto Rehab University Centre. Erin enjoys the work environment and sense of
camaraderie, “I like working in the dish room and my new coworkers are really nice and helpful.
We all work together as a great team.”
“I love that the Project SEARCH model engages local businesses, schools and employment
supports to help students transition successfully from school to work,” says Amy Spear,
Occupational Therapist & Business Liaison for Project SEARCH Toronto at UHN. “That’s a
powerful combination. All the partner organizations and the program’s Business Advisory
Council are actively working to open doors and introduce Toronto employers to the talented,
committed graduates.”
The partners in the Project SEARCH Toronto program are: Community Living Toronto, Holland
Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto District School Board, UHN-Toronto Rehab and
United Way Greater Toronto.
UHN-Toronto Rehab University Centre. Erin enjoys the work environment and sense of
camaraderie, “I like working in the dish room and my new coworkers are really nice and helpful.
We all work together as a great team.”
“I love that the Project SEARCH model engages local businesses, schools and employment
supports to help students transition successfully from school to work,” says Amy Spear,
Occupational Therapist & Business Liaison for Project SEARCH Toronto at UHN. “That’s a
powerful combination. All the partner organizations and the program’s Business Advisory
Council are actively working to open doors and introduce Toronto employers to the talented,
committed graduates.”
The partners in the Project SEARCH Toronto program are: Community Living Toronto, Holland
Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto District School Board, UHN-Toronto Rehab and
United Way Greater Toronto.
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The Hamilton Public Library is at the forefront of inclusive hiring through the
employment of Leo, one of Project SEARCH 2022 graduates. Leo has joined a
team that is dedicated to informing and inspiring the community in his role as a
library page at the Red Hill Branch. Through Project SEARCH, Leo has developed a
variety of skills such as flexibility, communication, teamwork and attention to
detail. These competencies, along with his positive attitude and good work ethic,
have led to Leo’s success. He has proven to be a valuable addition to the Hamilton
Public Library.
employment of Leo, one of Project SEARCH 2022 graduates. Leo has joined a
team that is dedicated to informing and inspiring the community in his role as a
library page at the Red Hill Branch. Through Project SEARCH, Leo has developed a
variety of skills such as flexibility, communication, teamwork and attention to
detail. These competencies, along with his positive attitude and good work ethic,
have led to Leo’s success. He has proven to be a valuable addition to the Hamilton
Public Library.