Sodexo workplace mentors help youth prepare for the workforce in Project SEARCH training program

December 3, 2024

Sodexo staff at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital have mentored 47 youth with disabilities since 2019 as part of a unique school-to-work employment training program for youth with disabilities, called Project SEARCH Toronto.

Rajpreet Singh Sandhu, Environmental Services Manager, got involved when he joined the Sodexo Holland Bloorview unit in 2024. “It’s a great feeling to know that you’re making an impact on someone, and that you’re giving them the tools to make a difference and achieve their dreams,” Sandhu says.

Jon Tozaj is one of 9 students in the 2024/25 program. Each day he participates in a class on workplace life skills, led by his teacher and skills trainers. He learns technical skills on-the-job 5 hours a day for a 10-week placement. Training alongside Sandhu and other Sodexo mentors this Fall, Tozaj has learned to sweep, mop, clean high touchpoints, handle garbage and recycling, and clean public areas such as washrooms. “It’s amazing how hard they [Sodexo staff] work,” Tozaj says. “I like learning the kinds of skills they use, like how to mop in a zig zag pattern and tie the bag properly to dispose of dirty linen.”

Tozaj will do two more 10-week learning rotations over the course of the school year in other departments at Holland Bloorview and co-host University Health Network (UHN) hospitals. Each rotation builds his transferable skills so that he will finish the program ready to work. “I want to get work experience in the kitchen next,” he explains. “I’m good at doing and putting away dishes.”

Carolyn McDougall coordinates the Project SEARCH training opportunities in various Holland Bloorview teams. “This is a unique partnership of organizations coming together to provide learning opportunities for young people,” she explains. “Community Living Toronto, the Toronto District School Board, UHN and Holland Bloorview operate the program and mentors like the Sodexo staff bring it to life. Mentors set the tone and example of what working is like. It’s win-win because students bring a lot of enthusiasm to our workplace and we all enjoy being part of their growth.”

Over 5 years since the program started with 47 graduates, Holland Bloorview, UHN and Sodexo have hired 45% of graduates into permanent or contract roles. In total, 75% of the program’s graduates are working with Toronto employers.

There are 19 Project SEARCH programs in Ontario for 2024/25. Ontario employers can get involved through the Project SEARCH website. Students and families should talk to their classroom teacher or school principal for information.

The Project SEARCH Toronto program is grateful for funding for job and skills developer staff which is provided to Community Living Toronto by United Way Greater Toronto.