March was Supported Employment Month in Saskatchewan, and to wrap it up, the Saskatchewan Employment Transition Initiative (SETI) honored those who make the jobs possible. Employers throughout the city were recognized for their contributions to supported employment.
Joy McKinnon, SETI coordinator, believes that with the province growing, opportunities exist for all people, and there is more demand for programs like supported employment. Events like Supported Employment Month exist to give employers a chance to see what's out there and how their business can be enhanced by supported employment.
"Let's face it, in this province, because of our growth, there is a shortage of skilled workers. This is an area where we have not traditionally looked at these individuals to employ. They are perfectly willing, capable and skilled to do the jobs they are asked to do and become stellar employees," McKinnon says.
She also says that the majority of businesses which have taken the chance with supported employment become advocates of the program, as they can see it help both the employees and the business.
Two businesses from the area were recognized as being among the best province-wide, receiving the Saskatchewan Employer of Excellence Awards. Manos Restaurant received the award for small business, and Yorkton Co-op Grocery Store received the award for medium business.
Yorkton's success with supported employment comes for many reasons, McKinnon notes. She credits the Saskatchewan Abilities Council and Partners in Employment with much of the work, and says they are an organization which works with both the employees and employers to make supported employment go as smoothly as possible. She also notes that with a strong economy, Yorkton has opportunities for growth which provide employment opportunities.
The employers honored at the event were Boston Pizza, Kid's Zone, Kinsmen Recycling Centre, Manos Restaurant, The News Review, Painted Hand Casino, Sherring Gold Jewellers, The Plum Tree, Wendy's Restaurant, Yorkton Co-op Grocery Store, Yorkton This Week, and Gateway Co-operative Canora.
