Good Foot Forward

Employment & Training Program

Good Foot Forward’s employment readiness program is designed to support neurodivergent individuals in gaining workplace skills, confidence, and meaningful employment opportunities.

Quick Links

Program Eligibility

Program Application

The thing that I like the most about my placement is that it shows that I am more capable of doing manual labour after believing that it wasn’t a field I could do well in.
Charlie, Good Foot Forward Participant

At a Glance

No cost to participants

Small groups for a tailored learning experience

Open availability Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm required

Paid job shadowing in Phase 1

Paid work placement in Phase 2

Must meet all eligibility criteria

Program Components

In-class learning

Interactive in-class learning

1:1 support meetings with program staff — life skills, job skills, and coaching

Paid job shadowing

Paid job shadowing with a peer Training Facilitator (neurodivergent Courier team members)

Apply classroom skills to a real-world environment

Activity Days

Participants must meet minimum attendance and participation hours to advance to Component 3.

Work placement

Paid work placement with one of Good Foot’s employment partners

1:1 support meetings as needed

Coaching provided to your employment partner

Good Foot Forward does not guarantee permanent employment within the organization or external job placement upon completion.

Eligibility & Expectations

To be eligible for Good Foot Forward’s Employment & Training Program, participants must:

Identity & work authorization

Self-identify as neurodivergent. This includes autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, OCD, Down syndrome, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and more. Special consideration is given to individuals who identify with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. You are not required to disclose any confidential health information. Learn more about neurodivergence.
Hold a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and be legally entitled to work in Canada

Age & experience

Be between 18 and 30 years of age
Be new to the workforce

Availability & commitment

Have open availability Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Be able to attend all sessions in person
Not be actively enrolled in any other program funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) during the program

Physical requirements

Be physically capable of participating in job shadowing shifts, which may include carrying up to 20 lbs, walking for up to 15 minutes at a time, and navigating stairs
Be able to pass common pre-employment screenings (e.g. drug test, background check)

Independence & readiness

Administer any daytime medications independently
Manage personal hygiene and grooming independently
Self-regulate and manage emotions in stressful situations
Communicate effectively with coworkers, facilitators, and supervisors — including greetings, asking for help, and light conversation
Focus in a shared space, work independently, and seek help when appropriate
Accept feedback and set personal goals
Have a strong desire to work and gain employment

How to Apply

Fill out the application form

~20 minutes

Complete the online application to start the process.

Attend a mandatory information session

~45 minutes

Learn about the program in detail and ask any questions you have.

Virtual interview

~15 minutes

Meet with Program Staff virtually to discuss your eligibility for the program.

In-person interview & intake session

~1 hour

Meet with Program Staff to determine your suitability and complete required program paperwork together.