2024/07/23
Inclusion and diversity are vital components of a thriving society. Inclusion New Brunswick (Inclusion NB) and Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) are dedicated to creating opportunities so that everyone can participate fully in their community—including their economy—and live the life they choose.
Born and raised in Fredericton, Zachary’s was in high school attending École Sainte-Anne. There, he recognized that he wanted to join the workforce. So Zachary, with encouragement from his father, reached out to RWA partner, Inclusion NB.
While still a highschool student, Zachary gained valuable experience through a volunteer experience—made possible by Inclusion NB’s Transition to Work program. In this program students gain work experience during their school days to give them the foundations for a successful transition from school to work.
After he graduated in 2022, Zachary worked with a Transition Facilitator at Inclusion NB, Marie-Antoinette Hakizimana to look for work, including job opportunities generated by Ready, Willing, and Able (RWA).
While Zachary was job searching, Sharon Faulkner, the Fredericton store Manager of Micheals, the nationally recognized craft retailer, contacted the Labour Market Facilitator (LMF) for RWA, to see how they could enhance their inclusive hiring practices. met with Sharon and explained how RWA supports employers, while also ensuring the needs of the business are met.
“Sharon was a natural,” Debbie Thomas, LMF for New Brunswick, says. Sharon shared the roles she needed filled for the busy upcoming holiday season, And Debbie shared those with the network of agencies RWA partners with in the region—which includes Inclusion NB. There, Zachary looked through opportunities, and one of the opening at Michaels particularly caught Zachary’s attention. That role involved unloading inventory deliveries from 3:00 AM to 11:00 AM, which perfectly matched his preferences for a labour-oriented role and had a work schedule that he thought worked well for him.
“We ended up having multiple applicants and Sharon went on to hire three individuals, including Zachary, through RWA.” says Debbie, “It was a huge success!”
Additionally, Debbie went on to connect with store managers from the Moncton and Saint John Michael’s locations, and even was successful with connecting other RWA Labour Market Facilitators in Atlantic Canada to their local Michaels stores.
“Michaels has been exemplary at turning their inclusive strategy into action,” Debbie shares.
Sharon and her team at Michaels continually demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusion in the workplace by ensuring a supportive environment for Zachary. This approach, coupled with Zachary’s enthusiasm, is key. Zachary is a valued employee at Michaels today embracing his role as an inventory representative.
But, at the same time, he has demonstrated a commitment to ongoing learning—a testament to his personal growth and development. And Sharon understands that, as an employer, support the growth of an employee means giving them new opportunities. “I want to help move Zac out of his comfort zone and allow him to put his digital skills to use as well, but at his own pace,” Sharon says. Zachary is proof that a commitment to inclusive hiring and supporting staff to grow not only benefit the individual, but also the business.
Zachary has also transitioned his passion for art and creative expression into another role. He works occasionally as Social Media Manager for a local, online business. Zachary channels his artistic talents into curating visually appealing content.
As Zachary says, “Everyone should be included in everything, no matter who you are.”