Despite the challenges of Covid-19, Avalon Employment’s Transitions for Individuals with Autism pilot is already helping more than 30 people find meaningful work, and has earned the prestigious United Nations Zero Project award for innovative, impactful solutions that remove barriers to employment. The program is currently offered in the St. John’s area, Clarenville, Gambo, Deer Lake, and Labrador West.
Today, the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Skills and Labour announced $3 million in funding through the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Development Agreement to expand the project to six other regions of the province:
- Corner Brook
- Carbonear
- Glovertown
- Grand Falls-Windsor
- New-Wes-Valley
- Channel-Port-aux-Basques
Employment Transitions for Individuals with Autism provides the targeted supports participants may need to gain and maintain long-term employment. More information about the project is available here.
Quotes
“Avalon Employment is already winning well-deserved worldwide accolades for its innovative and impactful autism employment project. Our government is proud to ensure this world class, made-in-Newfoundland and Labrador success is available to more regions of the province. Our family, friends, and neighbours with autism deserve every opportunity to realize their limitless potential. This isn’t just an investment in them; it’s an investment in all of us, one that is paying off with great success and more to come.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Skills and Labour
“This pilot expansion is about building a more inclusive workforce post pandemic. People with disabilities and living on the Autism Spectrum are innovative thinkers, that is what the businesses of Newfoundland and Labrador need now and in the future.”
Sean Wiltshire, CEO
Avalon Employment Inc.
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Learn more
Ministerial Statement – Work to Remove Barriers by Avalon Employment Celebrated Worldwide
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Media contacts
Ryan Crocker
Immigration, Skills and Labour
709-729-1795, 725-9595
ryancrocker@gov.nl.ca
Sean Wiltshire
Avalon Employment Inc.
709-682-3437
swiltshire@avalonemploy.com