The Prospect Story
“When I didn’t believe in myself, Prospect did.”
Michelle, Former Prospect Participant
Why do we exist?
We work so that Albertans can get to work, in good times, and tough times. Times that hit them unexpectedly, like a job loss or illness, times that leave them worried about the future or feeling lost and alone.
What is our "why"?
When challenges arise, we step up and focus on possibilities and solutions. We don’t settle for status quo. We are change-makers. We break barriers and employ change to create better – for all job-seekers, persons facing barriers to employment, employers and all Albertans.
Who are we?
At the heart of everything we do is our vision of helping people find employment and employers build stronger workforces so that together, we can create more inclusive workplaces that energize Alberta’s economy today and into the future.
What drives us?
We’re driven by the values of our brand pillars to serve our clients, employer partners, funders, volunteers, and one another with integrity so that we can all achieve our goals and build a stronger Alberta for everyone.
Why do we exist?
We work so that Albertans can get to work, in good times, and tough times. Times that hit them unexpectedly, like a job loss or illness, times that leave them worried about the future or feeling lost and alone.
Behind every unemployment statistic is a person.
Someone who had a job, who dreamt of building a secure, comfortable future for themselves and their families until unemployment hit. Someone who believed they had lots to offer that would make a real contribution, to their communities, society, Alberta’s future.
We work to ensure no one walks their unemployment path alone.
We provide people who want to work the tools and supports they need to get to work. And in the process, we help people break through barriers so that unemployment doesn't become a long-term part of their life-journey.
And we work so that employers can feel confident...
...that they will be able to grow their workforce to keep pace with their company’s growth today and their dreams for the future. We work to connect employers to people who can get the job done. And, we work to provide employers tools, training and resources to diversify and strengthen their workforce so that they can build their companies, and together, we can build a stronger Alberta.
What is Our ‘Why? ‘
When challenges arise, we step up and focus on possibilities and solutions. We don’t settle for status quo. We are change-makers.
We break barriers and employ change to create better – for all job-seekers, persons facing barriers to employment, employers and all Albertans.
That’s why in 2022 our focus on helping Albertans break through employment barriers gave 1,230 people the opportunity to say, “I Got The Job!” and moved 8,851 people closer and into employment.
Albertans heard the words, "You got the job!"
Employer Events
People connected at Job Fairs
At the heart of everything we do is our vision of helping people find employment and employers build stronger workforces so that together, we can create more inclusive workplaces that energize Alberta’s economy today and into the future.
Who are we?
A not-for-profit with heart.
We think of ourselves as an employment services not-for-profit with heart.
At the heart of everything we do is our vision of helping people find employment and employers build stronger workforces so that together, we can create more inclusive workplaces that energize Alberta’s economy today and into the future.
As a not-for-profit, our bottom-line is always balanced through sound and prudent stewardship of the monies government and our donors invest in us. We are focused on re-investing donations and surplus back into our programs and the people we serve.
We are visionaries.
We see possibilities for job seekers even when they’ve almost given up hope of ever returning to the workforce. We build employers' capacity and strengths to recruit and attract top employees from Alberta’s rich and diverse talent pools.
Why do we do what we do?
Because it’s the right thing to do.
A productive, diversified and inclusive workforce is critical to Alberta’s growth today and its success tomorrow.
Building strong workforces is our passion. Aiding Job-seekers find fulfilling work to helping employers connect to talent-pools they might not have considered before, we make Alberta work by connecting people and employers to jobs.
What drives us?
We’re driven by the values of our brand pillars to serve our clients, employer partners, funders, volunteers, and one another with integrity so that we can all achieve our goals and build a stronger Alberta for everyone.
Everyday, the values of our brand pillars underpin everything we do
From the enthusiasm of our team members, their professionalism, inclusive natures, innovative ideas and approach to delivering services, and collaborative spirits, we also value being flexible – it’s something that really came to life during COVID and now in its after-stages. Flexibility means, last year we piloted and then fully implemented a hybrid work environment. Not only are our programs available virtually and in-person, every staff members where feasible based on their role, is able to choose a hybrid work model, and is equipped with enterprise-wide systems and programs to facilitate connection and productivity, wherever they are.
Enthusiasm
Prospect approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm. We drive change with energy, optimism and commitment. Anyone who walks through our doors can feel the positive energy.
Professionalism
In every facet of our work, our actions show a commitment to professional management and service delivery. Prospect is accountable, ethical and honest.
New Staff Members Onboarded
Staff completed Licenses and Certifications Courses
(Some staff completed more than one)
Staff completed Staff Development Courses
(Some staff completed more than one)
Staff supported in completing their Masters programs
Staff enrolled in leadership training
Employer Services
Prospect offers workforce solutions to Alberta employers to help attract, recruit and retain top talent.
Prospect offers various resources to support employers, including Job Fairs, Employer Spotlights, networking events, and other free job placement and retention services. Additionally, we conduct seminars covering topics such as employment-related best practices for hiring, mental health initiatives, and recruitment and retention strategies.
Employers can also leverage our expertise in training and team-building to create organization specific workshops.
Innovation
Prospect creates change by envisioning the end game and creating the means to realize it.
We believe asking “why not?” aids progress. Solutions are created when we think beyond traditional boundaries.
Foundational Literacy Award
In September 2022 Prospect received the 2022 Council of the Federation Literacy Award.
Presented annually on International Literacy Day, Canada's Premiers name one organization in each province and territory in recognition of their exceptional achievement, innovative practices and excellence in literacy.
We were proud to be Alberta's 2022 recipient in recognition of the hard work of our teams and their incredible work in helping make it easier for Albertans to access employment through improving their traditional and digital literacy skills.
New Programs Launched
Youth Employment Connection
Life transitions can be hard. For youth aged 16-24 who are currently or have been supported by Children's Services, the YEC program is designed to help them build the skills and connections needed to succeed in today's job market.
Skills for Success Strathmore
This two-year pilot program leverages the creative power of art-based learning to engage unemployed or underemployed Albertans from the greater Strathmore area to learn essential communication and job skills to move them closer to the work force.
Forces@WORK: First Responders
Leveraging the success of our Force@WORK program for military personnel, veterans and their families, Forces@WORK First Responders supports First Responders in successfully transitioning from front-line roles to a post-service career path and life.
Workplace Training - Rocky View & Wheatland County
Prospect’s Workplace Training program is designed to connect employers of Rocky View and Wheatland County to talented job seekers changing industries or occupations through hands-on experience and training opportunities.
Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association Partnership
This two-year pilot program supports Albertans experiencing long-term unemployment by providing technical and soft skills training, to enter the accommodation sector. Through highlighting the industry as a viable career path, this program not only opens doors to employment opportunities but also promotes the sector.
Inclusion
Prospect is driven to achieve equal access for all to opportunities and resources.
We strive to create a fair, healthy and high-performing environment where everyone is respected, encouraged and motivated, and their contributions help Prospect attain its goals.
Prospect’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
Prospect envisions a workplace where human rights, equity, and mutual respect thrive. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council (DEIC) leads collaborative actions to further these values.
During the fiscal year 2022/23, the DEIC has taken significant action towards advancing our pursuit of excellence, equity, and mutual respect. Some notable achievements include:
Pronouns added to signature lines
Land Acknowledgement added to signature lines
Land Acknowledgement Training
'This is Us' segment continued in All Staff Meetings
DEIC Inclusive Calendar/ DEI Calendar and Events subcommittee
Support with DEI Staff Survey Questions
Pay Equity Analysis
Residential school survivor guest speaker
DEIA Consultants hired in 2022 and contract renewed
Review of Recruitment and Onboarding Process
Hiring for Diversity Workshop with Leadership
DEIA 101 offered to all staff
DEIA leadership training offered twice in 2022
Collaboration
Prospect seeks different perspectives. All parties must be engaged, including for-profit, not-for-profit, funders and government. Only by understanding all points of view can we create inclusive workplaces.
“It's really important that we collaborate as agencies because each agency kind of has their own level of specialization, their own really niche area that they can provide the best service in.
So if we each have a lane and we each know the ways that we can access the other lanes, then each of us can have that area of specialization and do it really well and help each other out in the areas that we need those gaps filled.”