From Potential to Possibility: Bryce’s Journey to Meaningful Employment at Calian

Creating a blueprint for employment success through collaboration, inclusion, and flexibility

Success stories are more than individual triumphs—they are testaments to the power of support, inclusion, and thoughtful adaptation in the workplace. Bryce Warner’s journey to his first full-time job at Calian’s GNSS facility is one such story, marked by perseverance, collaboration and a team committed to making employment accessible for everyone.

As our second successful hire at Calian, Bryce’s path was shaped not only by his determination but also by the accommodations and flexibility put in place to nurture his growth. The result: a thriving career for Bryce and a stronger, more inclusive workplace for Calian.

Starting the Journey: The Search for Meaningful Employment

Like many job seekers, Bryce began his journey with uncertainty—navigating job applications, interviews, and concerns about workplace expectations. What set him apart was his optimism and willingness to try. He believed that with the right support, meaningful work was within reach.

This goal led Bryce to Calian, a company known not just for its leadership in delivering mission-critical solutions for critical infrastructure industries, but also for its commitment to diversity and inclusive hiring.

Our Partnership: Facilitating Bryce’s Career Path

Our team first connected with Micah Grinstead, Senior Director GNSS Operations, Calian, through the PPRC website in 2023/2024. From there, we worked closely with Micah’s team to explore opportunities.

After an initial virtual meeting, Lisa Hazelwood, Team Lead and Job Developer/Job Coach at PPRC, visited Calian in person, met the team, and toured the workplace—sharing how PPRC could assist from onboarding through retention.

This partnership was key. Together, we ensured the hiring process was both rigorous and compassionate, identifying potential barriers early and planning solutions that would set up a smooth transition for success.

Accommodations and Adjusted Schedules: Paving the Way to Success

Accommodations were central to Bryce’s success from day one. A flexible, reduced schedule allowed him to ease into full-time responsibilities without being overwhelmed. Starting with shorter shifts, Bryce gradually built stamina and confidence.

Adjustments included:

• A later start time to accommodate transition into full-time work.
• Regular check-ins with his team and Job Developer.
• Modifications to reduce repetitive strain and anxiety.
• Open communication channels for feedback and support.

These measures not only empowered Bryce to succeed but also created a template for Calian’s future hires who may require similar accommodations.

Building an Inclusive Team: The Heart of Bryce’s Success

At Calian, inclusivity was more than policy—it was practice. Bryce was welcomed into a team that valued his ideas and respected his needs. Colleagues and managers alike supported him in adapting to new responsibilities, offering extra training and mentorship when required.

Over time, Bryce began to feel part of a team where accommodations were normalized. When he later transitioned to the manufacturing team, Joy Ni, Plant Manager at Calian, ensured Bryce felt welcome, and accommodations were once again put in place seamlessly.

Challenges and Triumphs: Overcoming Barriers Together

Like any career path, Bryce’s came with challenges. He sometimes felt isolated as the only employee with accommodations and was anxious about new tasks, such as processing orders.

However, with support from PPRC and Calian, these concerns were addressed directly.

• Lisa scheduled in-person meetings with Joy, to reassess accommodations.
• Responsibilities were adjusted and introduced gradually to minimize stress.
• Opportunities for connection and team building were encouraged.

This proactive collaboration ensured that Bryce never faced challenges alone.

Gradual Growth: From Training to Thriving

Bryce’s confidence grew steadily. He completed training, and contributed new ideas to improve workflow, which his team implemented. Managers acknowledged his results and encouraged him to take on additional responsibilities at his own pace.

Over time, Bryce and his team confirmed the best schedule for him, and he began to establish independence in his role. He learned to text his manager directly for clarification, gained speed in his tasks, and developed a steady work rhythm.

Celebrating Success: Making the Career a Reality

On May 24, 2024, Bryce began his role at Calian. His excitement and nervousness gave way to accomplishment as he quickly found his place. 

With continued support from both Calian and PPRC, Bryce not only kept the position but thrived—transitioning into a stable career with a supportive team.

He now reports feeling comfortable, confident, and included. The once-daunting challenges of transportation, repetitive strain, and anxiety have been managed with collaborative solutions. Bryce himself has said he is grateful for PPRC’s ongoing involvement, noting he never had this kind of long-term support in past placements.

Reflections and Lessons Learned

Bryce’s journey highlights important lessons for employers and job seekers alike:

• Accommodations matter: Flexible hours and job carving open doors to talent.
• Inclusion must be lived, not just stated: A welcoming team culture makes all the difference.
• Growth is a process: Success comes when employees progress at their own pace.
• Partnerships strengthen outcomes: Collaboration between agencies and employers ensures smoother transitions.

Looking Forward: A Blueprint for Future Success

As Bryce transitions into retention with PPRC, his story provides a roadmap for how inclusive hiring can work. Calian has not only gained a dedicated employee but also strengthened its culture of accessibility. 

Bryce’s success is inspiring all of us to continue exploring accommodations for future hires. His journey is proof that the right environment can transform anxiety into confidence and a dream into a career. 

For employers, it is an invitation to view every hire as a whole person whose contributions enrich the workplace. Bryce’s journey from hopeful candidate to thriving employee at Calian is a celebration of perseverance, adaptability, and the power of inclusivity. With the right accommodations, supportive managers, and a dedicated employment team, Bryce has built a sustainable career path that once seemed out of reach.

His success proves what is possible when employers, employment specialists, and employees work together to build workplaces where everyone can thrive.