Inclusive Employment Programs

H.I.R.E

Having Inclusive Rewarding Employment (H.I.R.E.) helps ready-to-work individuals overcome barriers to employment.

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Potential Employees

Having Inclusive Rewarding Employment (H.I.R.E.) helps ready-to-work individuals overcome barriers to employment. In addition to those with visible disabilities, approximately 20% of the workforce have a hidden disability or limitation. Without what are often simple accommodations, this segment faces hurdles to finding meaningful work. 

This program is best suited for participants from 16 years of age to retirement to achieve 3 key outcomes over 6-weeks:

  • develop skills and techniques to overcome barriers

  • feel confident in one's self and skills

  • make valued contributions to their workplace

Inclusion Foothills designed the H.I.R.E. program with a "whole person" approach. We help to identify each participant's personality, talents, interests and match those with the most suitable type of work and positions. We look to create paths for long term career growth over individual positions.

To create success, H.I.R.E. is hands-on. Throughout the program, participants work on both personal, technical and life skill development:

  • Personal development skills include stress management and confidence building

  • Technical development skills include assistance with education, skills and work experience

  • Life skills development skills include resume and cover letter writing, landing an interview, and interviewing

Confidence-building is enhanced by having to go through all the steps with the support of Inclusion Foothills' Career Coaches. At the end of the program, participants will be prepared to find, secure and maintain worthwhile work for the rest of their career.

JOBZ Centres are located in High River and Okotoks.

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“I initially came into the H.I.R.E. program to seek help on finding and maintaining employment. I had extremely low confidence and also had a lot of anger issues. Since taking this course my self-esteem went from 8% to 100%. I now have a purpose in life and I feel really confident about myself and where I’m going.”
— James - H.I.R.E Participant
Two young men in a kitchen, one with dark skin and short curly hair, wearing a dark T-shirt, and the other with light skin and short dark hair, in a black hoodie, standing near a commercial kitchen sink and shelves with kitchen supplies.
A young man wearing glasses and a Toronto baseball jersey sitting at a desk with a computer, mouse, and mouse pad in an office or medical setting, smiling and engaged with paperwork.
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Ready to Work?

We’re here to listen and support your goals whenever you feel the time is right to take that next step. Our door is always open for a low-pressure conversation focused entirely on your readiness and success.

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Potential Employers

Employers desire a workforce that leads to success. Common myths, barriers, and biases often hinder businesses from considering people with disabilities to join their team. Inclusion Foothills works with employers to build and sustain inclusive, productive workplaces. In doing so, recruiting can attract the best individuals to achieve their goals.

The Having Inclusive Rewarding Employment (H.I.R.E.) program is not exclusive to those seeking employment. Employers wishing to create a diverse workforce are welcome to work with Inclusion Foothills as well.

The process begins with an employer consultation to identify business needs, opportunities that may have been overlooked, and what they look for in an employee. 

With that information in hand, we use our H.I.R.E. participant database to find the person with the best skills match for the position. By posting positions with us, employers save time by receiving only qualified candidates.

H.I.R.E. does not stop there. Where a barrier to employment exists, we assist the employer with the necessary accommodation. Usually these are very minor but can seem much larger when you don't know what should be done.

Inclusion Foothills Career Advisors continue to work with both the employer and employee throughout the work engagement. Support and re-training are given as required to ensure a productive and positive workplace. 

Inclusive Employment Partnerships (I.E.P.) Project

While businesses have long been told that hiring people with disabilities is the "right thing to do," many have lacked the genuine partnerships and practical information needed to succeed. The Inclusive Employment Partnerships (I.E.P.) Project bridges this gap by providing the specific resources and education required to turn inclusive intent into sustainable business practices.

Through "Let’s Break to Educate" sessions, networking events, and tailored presentations, I.E.P. offers the Foothills business community a collaborative space to identify solutions. We empower employers to refine their human resource strategies, ensuring you stay informed and confident when hiring and supporting a diverse workforce.

By partnering with I.E.P., your business moves beyond standard practices to become a recognized community leader. This collaboration not only opens a world of new possibilities for your workplace but creates an incredible, long-term partnership invested in the continued growth and success of your business.

The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services.

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“We believe that inclusive employment is about the bigger picture, not simply filling a position with an employee that can do certain tasks. The people we employ all bring not simply their skills to the table, they also bring their own unique perspective on things, they help us to see that we need to look at the customer experience from all demographics ... inclusive employment allows us to truly understand and appreciate the diversity of the people within our community.”
— Yvonne Richards, Executive Chef - Highwood Golf
Two women smiling and exchanging a check inside a candy store. One woman wears a green jacket, and the other wears a floral top with a blue lanyard. There is a sign that says "SHEEN SWEETS n' S" and a table with candies and items in the background.
Four McDonald's employees posing inside a restaurant. They are smiling, with three women and one man, all wearing McDonald's uniforms. The woman in the center has a white shirt and black apron, while the others are in black shirts and hats.
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Inclusion Foothills recognizes the importance of supporting employers in their desire to create open and inclusive workplaces. We are here to assist with needs requirements, candidate pre-screening as well as implementing necessary accommodations and training.

Ready to create an inclusive workplace?

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Entreprenuers

Do you like the idea of being your own boss? Being an entrepreneur has its own rewards and challenges to work through. Our H.I.R.E. advisors can help you explore the possibilities and assist you with putting together a business plan.

Inclusion Foothills is very proud of the individuals who work with H.I.R.E. on the journey of self-employment. Our programs and events support these business owners because their efforts contribute to their families and building an inclusive local community. We ask you to consider supporting them as well by using their services, buying their products and sharing their story.

I want to start a business