The thing about the Sports and Entertainment industry is that it thrives on building a positive experience. They reflect the community, and they practice inclusion ensuring everyone feels welcome. That positive attitude translates into the work experience. In 2016, Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group (OSEG) began a relationship with Performance Plus Rehabilitative Care Inc. (PPRC) and hired people who identified as living with a disability from the PPRC talent pool.
Francis Menard was one of those hires, and he continues with OSEG today.
In January 2020, OSEG partnered with PPRC to hold an inclusive hiring opportunity. PPRC identified candidates from the client pool and assisted them in preparing for the interviews. Bentley Mckay ,HR Generalist with OSEG, worked with Joel Daze of PPRC to conduct one on one interviews and establish suitability. “We hire for personality and train for skills,” offered Bentley. “We believe that people, whether they work here or come for the event, should all have a positive and fun experience. We will teach you the skills you need to succeed, but you need to come with the passion to make it positive.”
Many people were offered opportunities with OSEG to start in the upcoming season. Covid-19 intervened and the Sports & Entertainment industry was put on hold. Flash forward one and half years and in late 2021 as things started to open, Bentley returned to the people who they had identified a year earlier and approached PPRC about continuing the hiring process. “The people we identified were first of mind when we began hiring again. We made a commitment and we wanted to continue to offer the opportunity.”
Jean-Yves Nicholas is starting his new position with OSEG. When asked about his job start, Jean-Yves was excited. “They gave me something to look forward to during the lockdown. I had a job waiting and that was important, it gave me hope.”
“We look for positive energy and a willingness to learn and the candidates provided by PPRC are well supported and meet those criteria,” says Anne Marie Villeneuve Vice-President Guest Experience and Operations with OSEG.
Everybody has strengths, we look for those strengths and find a role that allows them to use their strengths,” states Julia Weagle, Manager Guest Services.
The partnership between OSEG and PPRC has been invaluable to creating opportunities and it continues top grow.
Whether you are a person who self-identifies as having a disability, or an employer who is looking to hire, let PPRC be your trusted partner for employment solutions. Contact PPRC at 613-748-3220, or through our website at www.pprc.ca.