Making A Difference in Covid-19

MentorAbility matches protégés with possible employers to help them decide if the career path they have chosen is a good fit for them. A 2018 Accenture study found businesses that practice inclusive hiring of people who identify as having a disability, experience 72% more productivity; a 45% increase in workplace safety; 30% higher profit margins; and two times the net income of other businesses in the study.

Steve Brzezynski of SLB Carpentry has been operating his General Contracting business for over twenty years in the Almonte and surrounding area.  He was looking for skilled help when he was approached by PPRC about mentoring possible candidates to see if they might be suitable for his needs. PPRC had been involved with Kate for some time and Kate had indicated that she had previous experience in the carpentry field and was looking for an opportunity to work with a smaller company that might allow for a more personal hands on approach to Carpentry and possibly an apprenticeship.

The opportunity to spend time on the jobsite participating and contributing to the daily progress appealed to Kate, and she felt it would be a tremendous experience.  The two spent a day together on a demolition project for a major residential renovation and Kate said she found the protégé experience rewarding. Steve made her comfortable and she appreciated his advice and direction throughout the day. Disclosing one’s disability is a personal choice that is optional within MentorAbility, however Kate indicated that the smaller employer made it easier for her to disclose.

Steve has indicated that he liked the program and would recommend the MentorAbility to other employers as he believed it was a good way to introduce people to the trades and to dispel some common misconceptions many younger people may have. He found Kate to be keen and willing to learn about the trade. “There is so much to learn” said Steve, “especially if you are trying to decide if the career is right for you and this is what you want to dedicate the rest of your life to.”   

Kate knew she liked carpentry however she wanted to be sure it was right for her as well. She joined the mentorship program as she felt it would help her make those decisions. Kate encourages other protégés to seek a match early in their career so that they can determine if this is the right career path for them.

As a result of MentorAbility, Steve offered Kate a job and she accepted.  What started as a chance to test the waters lead to employment.  Steve found a good candidate and Kate found a career.

Steve and Kate both encourage other employer mentors and protégés to become involved in MentorAbility.  Think outside the usual hiring norms and look for talent in non-traditional places and find successful matches you would not have expected.

Contact PPRC MentorAbility to discuss how you can participate in the inclusive initiative either virtually or in-person.  We will be pleased to facilitate your mentoring experience.  www.pprc.ca.