2 minute read
Bridging the Gap
Grads Bonnie Macklin and Tracy Tolton are talent acquisition specialists who co‑founded Calibre Recruitment Inc. in 2016.
Bonnie and Tracy first worked with Fanshawe’s Corporate Training Solutions (CTS) in 2021, and again in 2022, assisting with job development and employer connections for skills training programs that the College was delivering.
After seeing the impact of those programs, Bonnie (Legal Assistant alumni, 1992) and Tracy (Business Marketing alumni, 2001) applied to run their own training initiative, to address a need they had identified in the London region: connecting job seekers who have non violent criminal records with employers in the hospitality and manufacturing sectors.
“Bridging the Skills Gap Project” was made possible through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream, an Employment Ontario project funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. The program is delivered in partnership with CTS, where Fanshawe provides the skills training while Calibre focuses on job readiness coaching, confidence building and laying the groundwork with both applicants and employers.
“For many years we saw high potential candidates being overlooked because of a criminal record, while employers in those sectors were having issues filling openings,” says Bonnie. “This program essentially bridges that gap.”
“Individuals were taking themselves out of the running for well-paid positions with large organizations because they assumed they wouldn’t even be considered,” says Tracy.
“We felt a need to advocate for applicants and encourage employers to be flexible in their hiring practices. We ask them to get to know people and their full situations before making decisions that screen them out.”
“Partnering with CTS ensures the training is seen as credible by employers,” she adds. “Having Fanshawe on an applicant’s resume carries a lot of weight.”
The first training started in September, and several participants are now working full-time in meaningful positions with a secure future. “We are helping people realize their full potential,” says Bonnie. “That is so rewarding!”
