Opportunities Initiative
Support for jobseekers and employers to create an accessible Canadian economy for people living with disabilities
What is the Opportunities Initiative?
Ampere’s Opportunities Initiative supports job seekers who self-identify as living with mental, physical, and learning disabilities, as they prepare for, find and maintain employment or become self-employed. It also supports employers and those who assist people with disabilities find employment, through a range of subsidies and hands-on supports.
The program’s goal is a more accessible and supportive Canadian economy. The Opportunities Initiative is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund for Persons With Disabilities.
For employees and job seekers
Ampere’s Opportunities Initiative offers training and paid internships to help you build the skills and experience you need to succeed, whether you’re unemployed, underemployed or simply looking to gain new skills.
Training is in person or virtual/hybrid. Training sessions are 2.5 hours each, and take place on a set schedule twice a week, for 5 weeks.
Training focuses on:
- Emotional Awareness
- Skills Exploration and Goal Setting
- Resume Building
- Job Search and Employment readiness
- Digital Skills (Google Workspace, Email/Internet Basics, online job search, Virtual Meetings, Social Media Platforms, Online Safety and Security)
- Interview Preparation/Mock Interviews
- Developing Networking Skills/Social Media Profiles
- Financial Literacy, Sheets/Excel – Making a budget
- Preparing for Your First Day Work
- Professionalism in the Workplace
- Soft Skills (Time Management, Team Building, Communication, Problem Solving, Conflict Resolution, Change Management, Decision Making, Critical Thinking, Identifying Priorities
Paid Internships:
- A 12 week, 20 hour per week paid internship with an employer to help you build real-world experience.
Eligibility
- foundational digital literacy training
- functional digital skills training
- paid internships in emerging and high-demand sectors (eg. coding, app development, e-commerce, project management, etc).
For employers:
As an employer, you’re fundamental to ensuring our economy is accessible for people living with disabilities. The Opportunities Initiative offers a range of hands-on training and supports, to diversify your workplace and to create inclusive and accessible work environments for employees with disabilities, and to assist those who support persons with disabilities in employment.
Wage subsidies:
- Up to $6287 for a 12 week paid internship placement.
- Stipends available for making the workplace accessible if required.
Training:
- Training to enhance your organization’s ability to be more inclusive and adaptable for hiring and retaining talented employees that are living with a disability.
