Candidates
Take the Next Step in Your Career Journey
Are You Ready To Take The Next Step In Your Career?
Spectrum Advantage is designed to support individuals who live on the autism spectrum find and retain employment.
Our four month initiative includes four weeks of paid job readiness preparation training classes specifically geared towards people living on the autism spectrum, followed by a minimum of 12 weeks paid employment for program graduates. During the first 12 weeks of employment, both Spectrum Advantage participants and employers are supported by an Autism Employment Specialist.
- Are you a qualified professional who is unable to find a job?
- Are you a motivated person who is ready to start a new phase of development in your life?
- Are you tired of being turned down after an interview or simply afraid of attending one?
Why Choose Us?
Core Program Features
Specialized Training
A comprehensive 4-week paid in-class job-readiness course designed specifically for individuals on the autism spectrum. This holistic program addresses barriers caused by workplace social nuances, covering topics like mental health, resume writing, mock interviews, advocacy for accommodations, and more to set participants up for success.
Paid Internship
Graduates have the opportunity to secure 12 weeks of paid employment, where we work to match their skills and qualifications with a role that could lead to their ideal long-term career.
Employment Coaching
Personalized one-on-one support provided during employment to help bridge communication gaps between employees and employers. This coaching is tailored to support both parties, ensuring a successful and inclusive work experience.
FAQ
You Can Find All Answers Here
The Spectrum Advantage Initiative is free of cost for both participants and employees. We are a government funded program.
Our 16-week initiative consists of 4 weeks of specialized in-class training, which includes lessons on advocacy for accommodation, applying for jobs, and mock interviews. Following the in-class training students may be connected with employer-partner for a 12-week internship and 1 on 1 employment coaching to ensure success.
Spectrum Advantage sees 80% of our participants become long term employees . Our program works.
We are able to make some exceptions on a case by case basis. Please email us at info@spectrumadvantage.com
Although the internship funding ends after 12 weeks, we have a secondary funder that allows us to continue coaching if it is deemed necessary.
Classes are Monday-Friday from 9am to 2pm for 4 weeks. Once you have applied and been interviewed you will be given the program start date and a calendar invite to all classes.
The Process
So you’re interested in joining the program but need more information on what to expect? This roadmap is for you!
Application
Once you have submitted your application items, you will be contacted for an interview to determine if you are a good fit for the program.
Classes Begin
Classes are 4 weeks (Mon-Thurs 9am to 2-m). You can expect both in-person and online classes. Class schedule + Zoom links will be sent out in advance.
Ready to Work
After we have completed the in-class training we work with you to find jobs that fit, with opportunity to be placed in a 12-week paid internship.
Employment Coaching
During your internship, you are paired with an Employment Coach for 1-on-1 support to bridge any communication gaps.
Application Information
Our core program operates in three cohorts annually (January, May, and September). Once your application is submitted, a representative will reach out to you with additional details and to arrange an interview.
(This information and the applications below are specifically for Spectrum Advantage’s core program)
- Candidates must be 18-30 yrs old
- Candidates must NOT be registered in a secondary school
- Candidates must be able to work independently without an aide or support worker.
- Candidates must reside in Calgary and area
Applications Open
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION HERE FOR OUR JANUARY COHORT. This one-step Adobe Form allows you to fill, sign and submit the Application, Work Readiness Checklist and a resume to our team.
What To Expect
Our four month initiative includes four weeks of paid job readiness preparation classes specifically geared towards people living on the autism spectrum, followed by a minimum of 12 weeks paid employment for program graduates. During the first 12 weeks of employment, both Spectrum Advantage participants and employers are supported by an Autism Employment Specialist.
Other Services
Through our partnership with Ready Willing & Able, we are pleased to provide post-secondary support.
Are you currently employed but in need of additional employment coaching and support?
Are you worried you might lose your job because of workplace nuances?
