Meet Jack!
Last spring, Jack participated in our popular Skills Training Employment Program (CAN-STEP) in Vancouver.
Since 2021, we have been proud to offer CAN-STEP for Autistic youth and adults across the Lower Mainland. And this month, we are excited to expand the program to Kelowna!
Explore all CAN Employment Programs & Services >
Through the program, Autistic job seekers join us in the office for up to five days a week. Our facilitators support them in completing valuable certifications, like First Aid and SUPERHOST customer service training, while teaching pre-employment skills, like resumé writing, interviewing, and workplace communication.
Once their training is complete, they embark on a 120-hour work experience placement in the hospitality industry.
Jack completed his placement at Nature’s Fare in White Rock.
In fact, Jack is one of 25 participants to complete a work experience placement this past year!
And among them, he is also one of the 56% who have retained ongoing employment after completing the program.
Compared to the national employment rate of 20% among Autistic adults,¹ we’re thrilled to be creating more opportunities for our participants to enter and thrive in the workforce.
After his placement was completed, we had a quick Q&A with Jack. We hope it helps our community understand what CAN-STEP is all about!
How did you get involved in CAN-STEP?
My mum heard about the program through a friend, not long after I was diagnosed with autism.
I had just graduated from high school and didn’t have a plan for the future yet. We applied because it seemed like it was a good idea for me, to help me get ready to find work.
What are some of your favourite memories from the program?
I really liked meeting some new people in the program and going to the movies with them. The field trip to the Vancouver Aquarium was the best, because my cousin works there and he showed me what it’s like.
I also liked staying with my brother in Vancouver to be closer to the CAN office for the first set of sessions, even though he made me do the dishes!
When it was time to start my work experience placement, it was nice that Nicole (CAN-STEP Facilitator) met me at the store to help me go through the interview.
Can you walk us through a typical shift at Nature’s Fare?
Sometimes it depends on the day, because I can help in a few different departments now.
I started with stocking the shelves, but now I can do cash or work in grocery. I help customers find what they need on the shelves and I am memorizing the codes for produce.
What are your plans or dreams for the future?
Right now, I am happy to stay part time. But I know one day I will have to work more, so that I can get my own apartment and maybe a dog!
The store has already given me more hours each week, and I think it is a good place to work. My manager told me I was doing a good job. My co-workers are really nice too.
Do you know someone who could benefit from an experience like Jack’s?
Send them to the CAN Skills Training Employment Program webpage to learn more!
We now offer eight cohorts per year in the Lower Mainland (ages 16+) and Kelowna (ages 15-30).
Applications are welcome year-round. Eligibilty requirements apply.
CAN-STEP in Vancouver is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. Our Kelowna program is funded by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Skills Strategy (YESS) program.