Finding a job after an injury can be difficult, especially when the work must match your abilities and support needs. For Tristan, personalized employment services, skills training and a connection to the right employer led to a new job with Everguard Fire Safety.
Tristan had previous warehouse experience and was ready to work. However, ongoing back and leg issues made some physically demanding tasks difficult.
He needed more than job postings. He needed practical job search assistance and an employer willing to have an open conversation about workplace needs.
Independent Living Resource Center, an employment service provider in the EmployNext network, provided personalized career support throughout Tristan’s job search. This included:
Tristan also completed NORCAT training, earning workplace qualifications in areas such as WHMIS, First Aid and Working at Heights. These new skills strengthened his resume and prepared him for opportunities in industries connected to his previous experience.
“The training helped boost my confidence,” Tristan said. “I was unsure if I would get through all the NORCAT training, but the trainers made it super easy to learn.”
Skills training was only part of the solution. Long-term success also depended on finding an employer who could accommodate his needs, value his abilities, and provide a supportive workplace environment.
Independent Living contacted Everguard Fire Safety to learn about its hiring needs and introduce suitable candidates. After interviewing Tristan, the employer recognized that his experience, honesty and work ethic could make him a strong addition to its busy shop.
Tristan was hired and became an important member of the team. He now helps keep orders moving and customers supported.
The partnership works because Tristan and his employer maintain open communication. When a task may aggravate his injury, accommodations can be made to ensure he can continue contributing effectively while supporting his long-term health and employment success.
“Tristan is honest. He’s upfront,” his employer explained. “I’ve worked around it to make sure that doesn’t happen again and that he can continue working in the future.”
Tristan’s story shows why inclusive hiring starts with looking at a person’s skills, experience, and potential. His physical limitations did not prevent him from becoming a strong fit for Everguard Fire Safety. With open communication and practical adjustments, Tristan has become a valued member of the team, helping keep orders moving and customers supported.
For employers who may be uncertain about hiring someone with a disability, this success story offers a clear lesson: the right candidate may come from a talent pool you have not fully explored. Inclusive hiring is not about lowering expectations. It is about matching the right person to the right role and giving them a fair opportunity to contribute.
EmployNext supports both sides of that match. Through our network of local employment service providers, EmployNext helps job seekers prepare for work while helping employers identify qualified candidates whose skills, experience and goals align with their workforce needs.
See how EmployNext is helping to shape the future of employment and helping employers find the candidates with the skills they need. All free of charge.
