A provincial program has allowed a Vernon resident to embrace a new career.
Mark Cantafio recently completed the Single Parent Employment Initiative.
“I know that if I keep working hard I will be able to help create bright futures for all of my kids,” he said.
When Cantafio found out that he was being granted sole custody of his two young daughters, he had just been laid off and was looking for a new job. While he was on the hunt for employment, staff at the local WorkBC Employment Services Centre reached out and found an opportunity that worked for his family’s situation.
They found a local company that agreed to take him on through a wage subsidy and provide on-the-job training as an insulator.
After his wage subsidy ended in September, his employer, Thermotech Insulation, hired Cantafio to stay on full-time, which also included health and dental benefits.
Cantafio says he’s now able to get on track.
“This is the first time I think I’ll actually be able to save money, and that’s big for me,” he said.
“The first thing on my list is a more reliable car for me and my kids.”
Launched in 2015, SPEI provides eligible single parents on income or disability assistance with supports to assist them overcome barriers and get back into the workforce.