A group of under-employed Yellowknifers dubbed the Odd Job Squad is receiving glowing reviews in its opening days.
The Yellowknife Association for Community Living (YKACL) says the group features “under-employed individuals who self-identify with a disability” – who can then earn money from one-off or short-term work while searching for more lasting employment.
A news release issued by YKACL on Friday gave Clement Koe and Charles Tonka as examples.
They were hired by plumbing and electrical firm Bartle and Gibson for eight days of work – building shelves, arranging stock, and helping to move items as the company relocated to Old Airport Road.
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“Boy, was that ever a smart move,” Bartle and Gibson branch manager Wade Makaro is quoted as saying in the release.
“Charles and Clement are excellent workers for the jobs I needed them to do. They were pleasant to work with and once I got them going on a task, they worked without supervision.”
YKACL says work for its Odd Job Squad could include painting fences, mowing grass, raking leaves, moving furniture, construction assistance, and various forms of cleaning and organizing.
Following the pilot initiative at Bartle and Gibson, the full program launches on Wednesday, May 23. If you would like to hire Odd Job Squad members for work – casual or temporary employment at or above minimum wage ($13.46/hour) – contact project manager Junn Gesmundo at employability@ykacl.ca or call 445-6967.
