The journey to success with CES

Meet real CES clients through their employment journeys— they overcome challenges, seize opportunities and achieve success in their employment pursuits. These featured experiences include perspectives from both job seekers and employers; delving into the role CES plays in guiding and supporting our clients accomplishments.

All are published with client permission.

Career path support

Our company’s experience working with CES

A letter to CES submitted by employers Brad Adrain and Jordan Drynan from Valley Plumbing Heating and Water Treatment

Behind every strong company are strong employees.

We started in 1987 with one staff member, Valley Plumbing Heating and Water Treatment now has 45 employees. Our most significant growth has been over the last few years when we have expanded into the commercial and HVAC sectors. During this growth stage, we researched what other companies were doing about adding staff. It was then that we discovered Community Employment Services (CES) – previously known as Job Connect – and more importantly the CES team. From the first time speaking with CES the results were professional and informative. We developed a strong business relationship with Colleen Clark from the Perth CES office; she became a person who we went to almost every time we went looking for a new employee. Over the last 8 years, CES has sent us about 31 potential employees. Like any new venture, some of them work out and some of them do not, 27 of those 31 new employees became contributing staff at Valley Plumbing Heating and Water Treatment. Most of these employees are still with us today.

Why do we continue to use Community Employment Services (CES)?

Over the years Colleen would screen potential new employees for us. She really knows what Valley needs where new employees were concerned. Through that screening process, we knew that when a resume came across our desk from CES, it was definitely worth looking at.

Most hires through this program required some training. The training dollars CES provided sure helped adding staff – knowing that the entire financial burden was not placed on the employer. CES enabled us to have few weeks to get each new employee trained in order to be a benefit to the company. CES helps the employer for sure, but also provides necessary guidance for new employees looking for work.

During the early dealings with Job Connect we were concerned about paperwork, how difficult or time-consuming the paperwork would be once an employee was hired. Much to our surprise, the paperwork was not difficult, and Colleen made it easy by helping every step of the way. The monthly review forms were a great idea to keep communication open between employer and new employee. We continue to try our best to keep those communication lines open with all employees whom I feel have improved employee retention at Valley.

We know that the reason we continue to use their employment program is because we get candidates that are willing to put the time in to become a better employee. We pride ourselves in hiring people that ‘fit’ and we are willing to train the right people. People that ‘fit’ are not always the most educated or best trained but ones that need an opportunity to better themselves. CES continues to send us people that ‘fit’ and they do it well; offering us good people that want that opportunity.

It is our hope that CES continues to do the great work they have been doing. Small businesses do need help when trying to grow their company. We have referred many fellow entrepreneurs to CES. Like we said, strong businesses need strong employees. CES has definitely helped us with strong employees.

Thanks to the staff (and especially Colleen) for all the assistance over the last 8 years. Valley Plumbing Heating and Water Treatment has been very successful and is continuing to grow. A lot of this success is due to the fact that we have great employees that really care. We continue to surround ourselves with great people. Colleen and the folks at Community Employment Services have and continue to provide us with these great people. Keep up the good work and continue to help other companies reach their desired outcome.

Pictured: Jordan Drynan, Colleen Clark and Brad Adrain meeting at Valley Plumbing, Heating & Water Treatment. Sept 2023

Practice interviewing into a new career

My experience with Community Employment Services has been a positive one to say the least. Most recently, I was looking to change careers and was looking for a job that would provide a more consistent work schedule and work-life balance for my family.

At CES, Saundra assisted me with developing a new resume, she reached out to me for check-ins to see how I was doing in general and with my job search, and she was quick to respond to my needs. Thankfully I was granted an interview with a local employer who was offering full-time employment with a consistent schedule. I reached out to Saundra and requested a mock interview in preparation. She was very patient with me and walked me through appropriate responses to common interview questions. I am happy to say that I made it through my interview successfully and was offered full-time employment with a well-respected employer in our community.

Thank You Community Employment Services!

– A.

New to Perth = New employment prospects

I just moved to Perth, and I needed a job. I searched online for employment agencies and came across Community Employment Services (CES) Algonquin College.
The first time I went to the office Jeremiah approached me with a smile and was asked politely if I needed help. I felt at home, comfortable, and relieved thinking that somebody will be there to help me.

Sandra helped me build a powerful resume, sent me job opportunities, and booked my interview appointment for a manufacturing hiring event that CES hosted.

I am very thankful and grateful for CES and its staff – especially to Sandra Smallwood, for being so kind and helpful. And to Jeremiah who also helped me whenever I had difficulties or confusion in using the computer.

Anybody in Perth who needs help in seeking and applying for a job, I strongly recommend going to CES and you’ll be treated fairly and get the help you need. The staff are very approachable and helpful. They are outstanding.

Because of CES I am able to secure a full-time position at a manufacturing company in Perth and I am looking forward to my first day on the job this September.

– Ann Marie

A job seeker’s triumph

An employment change-up for an older worker

I had pretty much given up finding permanent employment. In my late 50’s, I had been working contract positions for eight years. I had attended multiple interviews over the years, all without success.

When I went to CES, I was not expecting any help as I did at least have a job.

But I met Jordan, who was so professional, patient and kind. Jordan worked around my work schedule to meet with me. She brought my résumé into the 21st century and proofread my letters for the positions I applied for. She sent me job leads and suggestions. When I did get an interview she made suggestions of possible questions I might be asked and helped me rehearse for the interview.

I was offered a permanent full-time position with my second interview.

Thank you, Jordan. You are truly remarkable.

– CES client

Contact us to begin your own employment journey