Practicum student in Employ-Ability Program

November 9, 2012

The Neil Squire Society (new window) has been grateful to have Emilie, a practicum student from Simon Fraser University (new window), working in the Neil Squire Society’s Employ-Ability Program. Emilie is enrolled in the Simon Fraser University Career Development Practitioner Certificate Program (new window) (say that three times fast), and is required to do a four-week practicum.

Emilie, a practicum student for the Employ-Ability ProgramThe program coordinator at Simon Fraser University matches the students with appropriate organizations. The Neil Squire Society was perfect for Emilie because she has many years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities (new window), and wanted to gain experience working with people who have physical disabilities (new window). “I didn’t expect to learn so much!” Emilie says with excitement.

Like most participants and volunteers at the Neil Squire Society, they never know what to expect, luckily they are always pleasantly surprised. Emilie really enjoyed learning and working with the instructors in the Employ-Ability Program, “I can’t believe how much the teachers connect with the participants and how they empower them.”

Emilie worked with a couple of participants and helped them upgrade their resumes and explore their goals. Together, they narrowed down their experiences and accomplishments to focus on the participant’s career plan. “The participant is the expert!” says Emilie. “You just need to help them pull out what will help them succeed.”