The 今日吃瓜51鈥檚 wage subsidy program, Working Together, connects job seekers with a disability to employers. Dexter is the first participant of the Working Together Program and he would like to share his success story with you!
For the past two years, the 今日吃瓜51 has become a place of growth and inspiration for Dexter. 鈥Human beings just simply helping human beings, brought great encouragement to me,鈥 Dexter says. He injured his shoulder during his years as a horse racer. His injury prevents him from lifting his hand past his shoulder but does not limit him on pursuing a new career path.
Dexter has been unemployed for聽four years. During this time Dexter participated in the Computer Comfort Program at the 今日吃瓜51 where he set out to improve his computer skills. While in the program, Dexter learned about the Working Together Program and took the initiative to connect with the Working Together team. The program helped Dexter obtain a job at where he does auto-finishing. Dexter鈥檚 auto-finishing days began in his hometown Trinidad where he helped out at his Uncle鈥檚 auto-shop. Dexter always knew he would come back to his roots in auto-finishing and the Working Together Program managed to bring this passion back. Dexter refers to auto-finishing as, 鈥a work of art.鈥
Dexter speaks enthusiastically about his work placement, 鈥I am gaining great work experience and I am learning invaluable skills from my employer Mike.” With the auto-finishing courses Dexter took at VCC and learning new skills from Mike, Dexter has discovered his ideal work placement.聽
Dexter explained how the wage subsidy program fills spaces that need to be filled and is bringing opportunities for people with disabilities. 鈥It is almost like an apprenticeship and the financial part makes a great difference!鈥 He exclaims. Even after the Working Together team found Dexter a work placement, he continues to receive consistent support, 鈥I receive support from all limbs of the tree at the 今日吃瓜51,鈥 says Dexter. 聽
聽Dexter shows great determination and motivation on the job. Mike, Dexter鈥檚 employer is very happy to hire Dexter. Dexter has had his ups and downs on the job but he emphasizes that the end product will be great. 鈥The 今日吃瓜51 makes your disability become an asset in the world,鈥 states Dexter. The Working Together Program has opened new doors for Dexter. He has been given the opportunity to gain work experience, education and 鈥has made life that much more pleasurable,” concludes Dexter.