To fill his frontline and entry-level positions, LD Filtration’s Vice-President and Partner Dakota Ward typically receives resumes and applications from the usual job websites – but had never received an application from a program like Workforce Development. He explains that after receiving an application from one of the team members on behalf of a program participant, he became interested in what else Bissell Centre’s employment program could offer.
“The team member explained how the program worked and the additional supports from Bissell Centre for the candidate, and how it would assist both the candidate and our company in finding a good fit for our vacancy,” says Ward. “After reviewing the program further and then having a conversation with the team at Workforce Development, we thought it was a win-win for everyone involved, especially helping an individual making life changes and getting back into the workforce.”
Since that first contact with the team, Workforce Development has been a mainstay for Ward and LD Filtration. As a distribution warehouse and manufacturer of filtration products, Ward appreciates the impact the program makes on Edmontonians looking to re-enter the job market.
Trained and Certified with Work in Mind
During the initial portion of the program, participants have the opportunity to pursue relevant training, and Ward more than understands the value of having new team members already trained and certified before they even start. He points to the fork truck operation certification and First Aid/CPR training as incredibly valuable skills that his new hires brought to their first day of work.
“The additional training and certification that candidates receive through this program is incredibly attractive to a recruiter or employer – it surprises me that there aren’t more of these programs out there,” says Ward. “This is a huge advantage as an employer. Training new team members takes time, money and, more often than not, another team member’s time and attention, which short-hands the rest of the crew.”
The training and certification come at no cost to Ward or LD Filtration – and the company is able to save even more money with their new team member’s salary being partially covered by Bissell Centre through a Government of Alberta grant. The additional wraparound services Ward’s newest team member can still access from Bissell further ensures they have everything that they need; so when they come to work, they can put in their best effort.
Providing Opportunities to Those Who Need it Most
The best part of partnering with Workforce Development? If you ask Ward, it’s knowing that a new all-star team member who may have not had the opportunity to join the team otherwise now can make an impact with their work. With the myriad of reasons as to why someone might be struggling to find work, Ward knows that all some folks need is their chance to shine and excel.
“If someone in my network asked me my thoughts on it, I would encourage them to push aside any preconceived notions and try out the program – I wish I had sooner,” says Ward. “This program linked us with a great individual who has shown great interest in our company, mission and further career advancement, and we’re very eager to support him through this.”
Our Workforce Development program is looking for new employer partners – including ones in the warehousing, manufacturing, and construction industries. Discover how partnering with Workforce Development could help you and your business thrive. Because everyone deserves work that allows them to shine.