New skills development centre is being built with PEI’s labour force needs in mind: Tremploy Inc.

by Gloria Welton

Tremploy Inc. is a skills development centre that has operated out of their existing building in Charlottetown for over 50 years.

Construction of a new building has begun at the BioCommons Research Park in Charlottetown and will be completed in the summer of 2023.

Tremploy supports the employment goals of adult clients with intellectual disabilities. The organization facilitates meaningful opportunities for work and offers support for clients to reach their full potential.

Day programming, one-to-one support and employment assistance services are provided to approximately 125 clients each year in the Charlottetown area.

Recently, Tremploy launched an international work skills development program called Project SEARCH at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to assist youth with intellectual disabilities in their transition from high school to the labour force.

Tremploy also works closely with the Island business community through social enterprise programs such as wood production projects and various services and packaging assembly contracts.

Tremploy has been making signs for PropertyGuys.com for the past number of years. “We love doing business with them knowing that our company is helping their clients develop work skills and generating funds that support those with intellectual disabilities,” say Tracey and Kenny Singleton, Owners, PropertyGuys.com

Through the long-standing Career Bridges program, Tremploy offers career planning services across the Island for about 150 individuals a year who need support to transition or re-integrate into the PEI workforce or open their own business.

“Career Bridges has changed my life and provides anyone the opportunity to reassess their lives and pursue paths you probably would never have taken,” says Donna, past participant.

“The new Tremploy Skills Development Centre will allow clients to reach their full potential while making our organization a more inclusive, productive, and accessible place for all,” says Joel Dennis, Executive Director.

“It will enable us to address the increasing demand for services from the community as well as create opportunity to expand our social enterprise activities, This is an exciting time in Tremploy’s history.”

The new modern and energy efficient 24,000 square-foot facility is needed to meet the increased demand of clients needing services. “Across the Island, more clients are using organizations such as ours than ever before and that need will continue as our populations grows.”

The new centre will also allow for more space as staff continue to prepare clients to work on substantial contracts and to support and direct clients to work with employers and organizations in the community.

“We have supported the labour force needs of Queens County employers and organizations for many years and we look forward to continuing those relationships and building more.

“Early on, we hired a consultant to work with staff, clients, and caregivers of the clients to make sure all concerns were on the table. We got tremendous support and feedback saying that we were moving in the right direction by building a new facility.”

“I like coming to Tremploy to see the staff, work on different contracts and see my friends,” says Jarrod Duffy, a Tremploy client.

“Tremploy allows my son a sense of independence he would not get anywhere else,” says Marina Fay, a parent of a client. “A new modern facility means a bright future for Stephen.”

More fundraising needed

Tremploy is thankful for the generous support to date from the federal and provincial governments, foundations, businesses, and individuals on PEI. The registered charity has secured $8.5 million towards the cost of the new $9.5 million facility.

Tremploy launched a capital campaign to raise at least $1 million, with 100 percent of all donations going towards the construction and fit-up of the new facility.

“This is Tremploy’s first fundraising effort in over 50 years and we are hopeful the community will support us in reaching our goal of at least $1 million,” says Teresa Hennebery, Chairperson of the volunteer capital campaign committee.

“We need the community’s help to raise funds so Tremploy can continue to deliver important programming, support, and services to Islanders with intellectual disabilities and other clients who need career planning services. Every donation is important to our capital campaign.”

Joel says they are proud to help make a difference in the lives of many people. “Our clients benefit from meaningful work, skill development, and contributing to our community. Families benefit from knowing their loved ones are in a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment.

“The greater community benefits by offering Islanders increased skill development, independence, and opportunities to participate in the workforce.”

About the staff and employment opportunities

“There are currently 40 staff and Tremploy is looking ahead to future growth,” says Joel. He says the new facility will provide an opportunity to expand their services, which means more staff will be required.

Staff titles include Human Services Workers and Job Coaches.

Tremploy offers a competitive benefits package to its employees. “Members of the team are afforded the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the individuals we support and the community at large,” says Joel.

There is currently an opening for a Human Services Worker. The work is contract, full-time, and runs Monday to Friday. Wages start at $20.70 per hour, and group benefits are available after completing a probationary period.

Qualifications: Human Services Diploma or equivalent education/experience.