BC Centre for Employment Excellence
The YWCA Metro Vancouver created the Mentorship Best Practices Toolkit based on the insights gained from operating the NextStep Mentorship Program, which operated from 2014 to 2017. In the toolkit, aspects of creating, sustaining and enhancing mentoring relationships and programs … Continue reading
The BC Public Service Agency sought to understand how to better foster employee engagement in the BC Public Service. Towards this end, the agency commissioned BC Stats to study and interview the most engaged public service work units to find out … Continue reading
There is much concern about the transition of youth with mental health issues from child/adolescent to adult mental health services. This is complicated by their passage from childhood to adulthood which generates developmental needs beyond those that are illness-specific. Studies have … Continue reading
The World Health Organization estimates that 35.6 million people worldwide early onset dementia and of these, 10 per cent are under 65 years of age and potentially still in the workplace. In the face of an aging population and workforce, … Continue reading
While the proportion of working-age individuals relying on Disability Insurance (DI) benefits has increased, the labour market integration of people with disabilities remains very low. In the OECD, the mean DI beneficiary rate among working-age individuals was 5.8% in 2008 and … Continue reading
For many individuals with health problems that threaten their ability to work, the decision to leave their jobs—either permanently or temporarily—is often made without fully understanding the short- and long-term effects of joblessness on their health and well-being. As a … Continue reading
In 2011, the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) introduced the work experience program (WE) to help young unemployed people get valuable work-based skills and the practical experience they need to secure a job. The program consisted of a … Continue reading
In the face of proliferating data sources and research technologies, budget cutbacks, and the growing prominence of performance-based programs and evidence-based policy-making, there has been an increase in demand for faster, cheaper program evaluation. To address this need, the Center … Continue reading
Though most people with psychiatric disabilities show a desire to work, they are more likely to experience negative labour market outcomes than those without these disabilities. Moreover, work is often critical to their recovery and functioning by increasing their self-esteem and … Continue reading
One in six young people in OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries is not in employment, education or training, and of these, two-thirds are not actively looking for work, thus raising both immediate and longer-term challenges for individuals … Continue reading
Employment programs often do not work as intended owing to behavioural responses of clients to different aspects of the programs. For example, some people do not participate in all available services offered by a program, or others drop out of … Continue reading
Working-age university-educated immigrants experience lower employment rates and earnings than their Canadian-born counterparts, and this gap is only continuing to widen. This report focuses on this gap, by summarizing a study conducted by Malatest that was commissioned under the now-defunct … Continue reading
Hiring Indigenous apprentices today ensures a company will have a future workforce composed of skilled Indigenous workers and have strong business relationships with Indigenous communities. This guide by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum provides Canadian employers in the mining, oil and … Continue reading
Improving youth school-to-work (STW) transitions is an important, though challenging, way of reducing high unemployment, underemployment and precarious employment among youth. This report by Donnalee Bell, Krista Benes and Dave Redekop of Life-Role Development Group Ltd. identifies the causes of … Continue reading
The employment rate of individuals with a disability in the United States is less than half that of employees without disabilities. To help reduce that gap, this study by researchers at the K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute … Continue reading
Successful workforce development programs are built on a clear understanding of current and future community needs, which can best be obtained through pre-assessment. A community pre-assessment consists of collecting and analyzing data from funders, practitioners and potential beneficiaries to identify the needs … Continue reading
A growing need for a skilled workforce in the face of rapid changes in technology and the economy is increasing the pressure for effective and efficient employment and training services. Two of the US’s largest employment and training programs are … Continue reading
Job search assistance is a key component of employment supports offered to job seekers. However, little is known about how one might advise job seekers in the process and what advice should be delivered. This research study is focused on … Continue reading
The youth unemployment rate worldwide remains high at 13% compared to pre-recession levels, despite some improvement in the overall economy and the implementation of active labour market measures to connect youth to jobs. While previous studies have synthesized the evaluation … Continue reading
Canada’s growing trucking sector is facing significant shortages in such key positions as drivers and mechanics, owing to turnover, ageing, and insufficient supply. To help meet the industry’s current and future labour needs, this report by Trucking HR Canada makes … Continue reading
This study examines career engagement of Canadian Career Development Practitioners (CDPs). Previous studies that have examined CDP engagement have focused on the practitioner’s work or relationship with an employer. This study by Deirdre Pickerell and Roberta Neault of Life Strategies Ltd. … Continue reading
Workplace disability arising from injury and illness on the job is costly for employers who are typically held responsible for affected employees’ return to work. Thus, employer discussion on workplace disability has focused on prevention of injury, illness and hazardous … Continue reading
Over the past 25 years, there has been a plethora of research on public interventions intended to improve employment conditions for low-income adults. However, the sheer volume of the evidence generated has made it difficult to identify the most reliable … Continue reading
This study focusses on the young people in in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) of Ontario. It examined an action plan called Escalator: Jobs for Youth Facing Barriers that was established through a partnership between Government of Ontario … Continue reading
Post-secondary institutions are an important source of an economy’s skills and research has shown the important role education and skills development play in a nation’s prosperity. In the face of rapid technological innovation and concerns about its impact on graduate … Continue reading
Finding entry-level talent is difficult for firms in a competitive, low-unemployment economy. Firms unable to fill the large number of entry-level jobs that have been and are expected to be created will face lower productivity and revenue. While there are … Continue reading
Given that up to a half of individuals who receive treatment for substance abuse will relapse–most within a year, this post by Social Solutions Global, an American human services management software company, highlights three important research-based strategies to ensure effective … Continue reading
Canadians with disabilities continue to face relatively high rates of unemployment and underemployment despite past promises of equal opportunity for them. With a new federal government committed to policy and program innovation and inter-governmental collaboration towards a goal of inclusive … Continue reading
The size and growth of US retail industry and the number of employment opportunities for low-skilled workers led the US education and social policy research organization MDRC, with support from the Walmart Foundation, to conduct a national survey analyzing the … Continue reading
This paper from Carolyn Dudley, David B, Nicholas and Jennifer D. Zwicker of the University of Calgary illustrates factors that contribute to successful employment outcomes for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Adults with ASD have some of the lowest employment … Continue reading
This paper from Marco Caliendo and Ricarda Schmidl of the University of Potsdam and the University of Mannheim reviews the effectiveness of active labor market programs (ALMPs) in supporting young job seekers in Europe. Due to high levels of youth … Continue reading
Employment Strategies for Low-Income Adults Evidence Review is a website hosted by the U.S. Administration for Children and Families (Department of Health and Human Services) that offers a searchable database of recent studies on the effectiveness of employment and training … Continue reading
The IASE is a not-for-profit organization established in 1994 to promote supported employment in Ireland. The IASE promotes supported employment at a national level, to job seekers, employers, disability and other services, policy makers and the general public. The IASE … Continue reading
The Conference Board of Canada partnered with the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario’s EnAbling Change program to develop a toolkit that is designed “to help employers tap into a vibrant and underutilized labour pool—people with disabilities.” It provides “practical advice to … Continue reading
This study by Sally Lindsay, Laura R. Hartman and Melissa Fellin of the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and the University of Toronto in the October 2015 issue of Disability and Rehabilitation provides a systemic review of the literature on … Continue reading
This comprehensive inventory of essential skills initiatives aimed at First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples was developed through a collaboration between the Canadian Career Development Foundation, Employment and Social Development Canada’s Office of Literacy and Essential Skills, the Assembly of … Continue reading
Prior research has well-documented the fact that the employment rate for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities continues to remain the lowest of all people with disabilities in Canada (Crawford, 2004, 2005, & 2011; Statistics Canada 2008), hovering in the … Continue reading
This paper from the United Kingdom explores the benefits to employers from hiring youth and provides several concrete recommendations for employing young staff. While some businesses don’t see the business case for employing young people, the article points out a … Continue reading
This resource summarizes best practices in partnerships and collaborations and includes information for understanding contractual relationships in the non-profit sector as well as key factors to ensure a successful partnership. Continue reading
This is a simple guide book to assist Australian businesses to better understand and partner with disability employment services to recruit from the entire talent pool and make it easier for candidates with disabilities to get and keep jobs. Continue reading
This study is focused on how professionals providing absence and disability management services and their organizations are responding to the aging workforce. It outlines some of the leading practices and challenges the Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) has observed for … Continue reading
This document uses a case study approach to explore the variety of approaches of services delivered to youth with disabilities during the transition time from school to work. This research study applies to career practitioners as it outlines several strategies … Continue reading
This document on youth unemployment (and underemployment) coincides with a policy paper series sponsored by Canada2020. Career development practitioners will find it useful as it brings together existing evidence to better understand some of the challenges facing young Canadians in … Continue reading
This briefing focuses on the benefits and returns that accrue when organizations invest in accessible employment practices. This article is aimed at helping businesses to be more accessible for people with disabilities. While it discusses many ideas from the Accessibility … Continue reading
This report takes a comprehensive look at the business case for employing people with disabilities and details the steps companies can take to change their hiring practices to promote a more inclusive workforce. The report’s key objectives are to raise … Continue reading
This research publication is about identifying policies, programs and employment programs to promote the inclusion of people with physical disabilities in the workforce. This publication is targeted at three audiences: vocational rehabilitation and employment service providers; employers; and business leaders … Continue reading
For employers in the construction industry looking to hire skilled immigrants. Employers can better understand labour shortage situation in the Northern BC, and learn more about practical steps to hiring immigrants to address this shortage. Continue reading
This study examined various transitioning programs for high school students with disabilities to help career practitioners develop effective programs that would improve post-high school outcomes of students with disabilities, including employment. Continue reading
Career practitioners and employers may use this guide to develop initiatives targeting Aboriginal recruitment and training in the construction industry. Continue reading
Provides career practitioners with ten self-employment strategies, including 35 competencies that are crucial to successful self-employment, that would help them support their clients who are interested in self-employment and also explore self-employment as a career option for themselves. Continue reading
A database of youth employment programs where career practitioners can find effective approaches to advancing youth employment. YEI provides detailed information on projects and evaluation of programs on various youth employment interventions that have been implemented worldwide. Continue reading
Provides career practitioners with valuable information on how to approach career planning for individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome. The article explains both the challenges people with Asperger’s Syndrome face in the workplace and strengths they offer to employers. Continue reading
Designed for career practitioners working in employment organizations, colleges and other post-secondary institutions. Developed to provide support to immigrants, Aboriginals, and Francophones in essential skills development, the guide includes case studies and testimonials highlighting innovative and effective essential skills interventions in colleges and in the workplace. Continue reading
Offers an insight into the role the technology play in delivering career development service. The article provides series of questions to assist service providers in designing and implementing effective online career development services. Continue reading
Assist career practitioners and job coaches in delivering effective supported employment programs to people with severe disabilities. The guidelines provide definitions and explanations, as well as guiding principles of supported employment. Continue reading
Developed to assist employment service providers in designing and implementing effective cross-sectoral workplace essential skills training programs for workers in the community. The guide documents promising essential skills training practice in Chilliwack, BC, and provides step-by-step instructions on essential skills training program development, from determining goals and objectives to sustaining the program. Continue reading
About the study This study examined social, economic, and employment outcomes of individuals with intellectual disabilities who have obtained employment through supported employment. Through a review of relevant literature, the study identifies the kinds of impact supported employment initiatives have … Continue reading
This study examined a pilot project in Israel that combined supported employment with supported education to help people suffering from severe mental illness find employment in skilled vocational occupations. Continue reading
This study examined different education-to-employment initiatives around the world to promote youth employment by using case studies and survey data of youth, education providers, and employers. Continue reading
This study examined effective practices in youth employment programs in the United States. Continue reading
This study examined essential skills initiatives for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada. Continue reading
Provides career development professionals and youth organizations with FoodShare’s program development information for youth employment. This innovative internship program gives marginalized, at-risk youth in the community with an opportunity to develop employability skills and achieve their personal goals through learning, mentoring, workshops, and on-the-job training. Continue reading
This study analyzed the interim findings of the Youth Transition Demonstration (YTD) project evaluation, and the impact the project evaluation had on paid employment and earnings of youth with disabilities. Continue reading
This study examined the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for people with severe mental illness. Continue reading
This project report was developed to identify the best approaches to supporting clients with mental health problems, and further enhance career practitioners in their professional practice. The report presented findings from key informant interviews, consultations, and surveys of career practitioners and their clients with mental health issues in Nova Scotia. Continue reading
Provides a recap of one-day symposium hosted by Public Policy Forum and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. The report addresses challenges youth in Canada face in today’s economy, and provides insight into different career development models for youth. Continue reading
Provides information on evidence-based supported employment programs implemented in the United States. Career practitioners and employers may want to utilize the videos to learn more about the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model that has been effective in helping people with disabilities find job placements. Continue reading
Provides comprehensive resources on customized employment for people with disabilities. Career practitioners can utilize these resources to learn more about the process of customized employment, customized entrepreneurship, and customized employment planning. Continue reading
The detailed summary report provided information such as employment outcomes about the Customized Employment Demonstration Project. Continue reading
The study examined the promising practices in labour market programs and initiatives for people with disabilities. The study also provided lessons that can be learned from successful labour market programs for people with disabilities. Continue reading
Provides career practitioners with sector-specific job development approach that can be used to help foreign-trained professionals find employment. The article outlines step-by-step sector-specific job development process. Continue reading
The study examined community employment programs for youth and discussed the role the employers should play in supporting youth employment. Continue reading
This study highlighted the achievements of the Pathways to Education Program in the Regent Park community, one of Toronto’s low-income communities, and provided lessons learned from the development of the Pathways to Education Program. Continue reading
Shows examples of successful customized employment for people with disabilities in the community. Through this video, career practitioners and employers can see how much impact the customized employment have on the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Continue reading
