It’s not uncommon to step away from the workforce from time to time but trying to return to it can seem like a huge obstacle to overcome. Just imagine trying to do so during a pandemic…

Even so, this is exactly what many participants of Groupe Priorité Travail’s Job Search Club have done in recent months. They were able to persevere while putting their fears aside. What’s more, they had to adapt to new public health measures in the workplace. Despite fears of contracting COVID-19, their desire to find employment allowed them to achieve their goals. We tip our hats to them!

At Groupe Priorité Travail, each individual is unique and we respect their pace. Here is a snapshot of just a few who have succeeded in re-entering the workforce through this program.

Mark J. found a job after being off the workforce for 10 years. He changed his attitude towards the workforce and his perception of it, despite isolation. These changes helped him get a job as a financial representative last October. He says that through his counselor’s moral support and listening skills, he was able to see the positive side of things. He completed his internal training and after a week on the job, he even proved to himself that he was capable of more than he thought. Bravo Mark!

Saad B. contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalized for several days as his life was in danger. After receiving the necessary care, his health stabilized. More motivated than ever, he continued his search for employment. He was hired as a computer technician for a major chain of grocery stores. He’s a great example of courage and perseverance!

Paula D., a home health care provider, was struggling to find a stable job. Feeling down about her situation and believing that seniors’ residences were her only option, she became even more concerned in the context of the pandemic. She found a part-time job in a private home but wasn’t sure if she would stay. Thanks to the conversations with her counselor and the support from her family, she began to see the positive side of her situation. She was then able to really dive into her job and her level of dedication is extremely appreciated by her employer.

Finding employment is challenging, and so is keeping a job! Thanks to the employment maintenance phase of the program, those who start a new job continue to benefit from a counselor’s support for four months. N. Brisson has just successfully completed this phase. In July she began working at a seniors’ home in her area as a maintenance worker and in the laundry facilities. Her team leader recognized her excellent work and commented that more employees who are as efficient and proactive as her would be appreciated!

This service is completely free of charge and is managed by a team of professionals that includes employment counselors. This counselor will collaborate with you to help build an employment goal that is realistic and achievable. Searching for a job can seem complicated even in the best of times—even more so during a pandemic—but these few examples prove that it’s possible to find employment even during these difficult times.