The Post-Secondary Bridging Program with Specialisterne Canada
Add Specialisterne to your Job Search Strategy
Whether you are looking for a summer job, a position for after you graduate, or a co-op work term, Specialisterne can help individuals who identify as Neurodiverse who have experienced challenges with traditional job recruitment practices like interviews and face-to-face networking.
Specialisterne and the University of Guelph have partnered on the Post-Secondary Bridging Program to provide new job search opportunities for students. Read more about the program below.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is a term describing different kinds of human brains and ways of thinking. For the purpose of this program, it can include those who identify as on the autism spectrum, ADHD/ADD, OCD, anxiety or other mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and similar ways of being.
How the Program Works
Employers are always looking for new ways to find skilled candidates. Specialisterne works with employers who have an interest in diversifying their workforce and expanding their talent pools to include those who may think and solve problems differently.
Using a specialized recruitment model, Specialisterne offers a new avenue to co-op and full-time employment. Standard recruitment models tend to filter out most people on the autism spectrum or those who identify with other neurodiversities. Specialisterne's model does not involve the traditional employer-student interview. Instead, it identifies and emphasizes the strengths and capabilities of the student to better communicate their qualifications to potential employers.
As with any job search, there is more than one path to employment. The University of Guelph recommends including Specialisterne as part of a wider job search. Students who participate in Specialisterne's Post-Secondary Bridging Program for either co-op, summer, or full-time employment are encouraged to continue using Experience Guelph and other recruitment channels in addition to Specialisterne.
The Process
1. Register
* Register for Specialisterne’s program by completing an online employment questionnaire that helps Specialisterne get to know you.
* Specialisterne will contact and invite you to attend a workshop.
* Specialisterne will be accepting participants into the workshop on a first-come first-serve basis. We recommend registering as soon as possible.
2. Complete an Employment Workshop
* Participate in a six-hour workshop with other students either on or off campus. This will include hands-on activities in a relaxed setting.
* Gain insight into your strengths as Specialisterne gets to know you and your skills, talents and attributes.
* Learn about the obligations of employers in Ontario and discuss disclosure options when looking for work.
* As a result of this workshop, Specialisterne creates a personalized Employment Profile that summarizes your strengths and skills.
3. Access Employment Opportunities
* Review available positions offered through Specialisterne and apply to the positions of interest. These positions are available to all students registered with Specialisterne Canada.
* Employers are provided with the Employment Profiles of the student applicants to make their hiring decision.
* If matched with an employer, a Specialisterne job coach will work with you and the employer in using tools and strategies to facilitate a rewarding, productive and comfortable work experience.
Privacy
Your involvement with Specialisterne will not be identified on official university records. Specialisterne is committed to protecting your privacy and will only share personal information with your consent. See Specialisterne's privacy statement for more information.
Have Questions or Need Support?
If you have questions or would like to discuss this program in more detail, please contact your Co-op Coordinator or Career Advisor or email recruit@uoguelph.ca