Finding a job can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re not sure what kind of job would be a good fit, need help with your resume or interviews, want to build your skills, or could use some support finding and keeping a job.
KW Career Compass helps adults in Waterloo Region who experience barriers to employment work toward their employment goals.
We get to know you, your strengths and what you’re looking for, then help you build a path forward.
A barrier to employment is anything that can make it more difficult to prepare for, find or keep a job.
You might:
Having a barrier to employment doesn’t mean you can’t work. It simply means there may be something making your path to employment more challenging, and some additional support could help.
You do not need to have a developmental disability to access services through KW Career Compass.
There are different ways to access support through KW Career Compass.
Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
Some people access ongoing employment supports through a referral from Developmental Services Ontario.
Fee-for-Service Employment Support
If you’re looking for individualized job coaching or job development on a fee-for-service basis, your first step is completing LEG Up! to Work, our comprehensive job readiness course.
After completing LEG Up! to Work, we’ll meet with you to talk about your employment goals and next steps. Depending on your needs and our team’s capacity to take on new people, this may include fee-for-service support from a Job Coach or Job Developer.
Not sure which option applies to you?
That’s okay. Get in touch with our team and we can help you figure out where to start.
Support for wherever you are in your employment journey
Everyone's path to employment looks different. You may need help figuring out what you want to do, preparing for your job search, finding opportunities or succeeding once you've been hired.
KW Career Compass can support you along the way.
We'll get to know you, your interests, strengths, skills and goals and help you explore the types of employment that might be a good fit.
Build practical skills for employment through job readiness learning, hands-on experiences, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation and more.
Get support with your job search, including identifying opportunities, connecting with employers and finding positions that align with your skills and goals.
Starting a new job comes with lots to learn. Job coaching can help you understand your responsibilities, learn new tasks, navigate workplace expectations and build confidence in your new role.
Support doesn't have to stop once you've been hired. Ongoing job coaching can help you problem-solve, build independence and navigate changes or challenges as they arise.
That’s where Job Readiness Courses can help.
Our courses give you an opportunity to build practical skills, learn more about yourself and prepare for the realities of employment in a supportive learning environment.
LEG Up! to Work is our comprehensive job readiness course and runs four times a year. It includes classroom learning, hands-on skills evaluations, one-to-one resume support, interview practice with community partners and more.
We also offer specialized courses in Retail, Hospitality and Manufacturing based on community interest and demand.
For people interested in accessing fee-for-service job coaching or job development through KW Career Compass, completing LEG Up! to Work is the first step. Access to ongoing support depends on our team’s capacity to take on new people.
KW Career Compass works with employers across Waterloo Region to connect businesses with job seekers who are ready to contribute.
Our team takes the time to understand your workplace, your hiring needs and the skills you’re looking for. We can help identify candidates who may be a good fit and provide support as they transition into their new role.
Our goal isn’t just to fill a position, it’s to help create employment relationships that work for both the employee and the employer.
Explore tools and resources to help your organization strengthen inclusive hiring practices, support employees and create a workplace where more people have an opportunity to contribute.
Increase employment opportunities for job seekers who have a disability.
A free employer toolkit for inclusive hiring
Making Ontario workplaces accessible to people with disabilities
Pilot project results targeting a unique approach to work integrated learning
KW Career Compass works with employers across Waterloo Region who recognize the value of creating opportunities for people with different skills, experiences and abilities.
We’re grateful to the businesses and organizations that have partnered with us to create meaningful employment opportunities in our community.
Every person’s path to employment is different. Meet some of the people who have worked with KW Career Compass and learn about their experiences building skills, finding opportunities and reaching their employment goals.
Whether you’re looking for your first job, returning to employment, building your skills or looking for some additional support along the way, KW Career Compass can help you explore what’s possible.
