About
About Us
There are over 160 current vacant Personal Support Worker (PSW) positions in Lanark and Renfrew Counties. The Canadian Career Academy has partnered with the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO) to deliver a full-scope PSW certification, including Pre-Job Readiness Training and job placement with a local employer. As the CDSBEO is authorized by the Ontario Ministry of Education to provide PSW training, they are an ideal partner to provide the technical skills training and certification. This program aims to certify 60 workers in two counties in this year alone.
Canadian Career Academy
CCA is an experienced employment services company, successfully matching employers and employees and providing specific training/opportunities addressing skill shortages over the last 30 plus years. CCA has delivered a wide range of employment services since 1986 helping people find employment, start their own business, become retrained and providing community referrals. Past CCA activities demonstrate innovate, staff up and deliver successful employment support activities such as:
- Job Finding Club (Carleton Place, Arnprior)
- Job Search Resource Center (Smiths Falls)
- COPE – Career Orientation Pathways to Employment (Carleton Place, Ottawa)
- Job Re-Entry skills training programs (Carleton Place, Ottawa)
- Achieved Ontario Vocational School Certification (1994 to 2000)
- Employment Ontario Service Provider delivering Employment Ontario programs (ES, SJS, YJL, YEF, JCP, OSEB, EYTI, COJG)
- Ontario Labour Market Partnership – Work Matters project
Our Team
Shelley More - Program Manager
Shelley has worked with the Canadian Career Academy for the past 15+ years in a variety of capacities including Project Lead, Employment Specialist, Human Resources Specialist and Job Developer. Prior to joining CCA she worked as a Associate Coach for Career Joy and has extensive Human Resources experience in the hospitality industry in Ontario and New Jersey spanning over 15 years. Shelley is passionate about collaborating to bring work force solutions to local employers and encourage diversity in the workforce.
Hellen Lavric - Job Developer/Employment Specialist - Renfrew County
Hellen Lavric is a Human Services Specialist with a focus in facilitation, training and workforce development. With over 20 years of experience, Hellen has become an expert in community building and career development. Spending her early years designing job readiness curriculum for the City of Etobicoke, Hellen progressed through leadership positions in recruitment and training for the City of Toronto, and developed skills in delivering large-scale programs and events. A gifted and dynamic presenter, Hellen brings a wealth of knowledge and clarity to employers and job seekers alike. Her recent work with the Labour Market Group of Renfrew and Lanark includes the coordination of in-demand manufacturing, healthcare, and skilled trades research projects, receiving continued funding as a result of demonstrated competence in achieving project outcomes. She embodies the values and skills associated with inclusion, advocacy, coaching, and developing successful professional relationships. Her vast experience in career development, community engagement, and training design allows her to critically analyze economic and social trends in the local labour market and facilitate critical workforce solutions.
Christy Thurgood - Admin & Communication Specialist
Christy is a graduate from Ryerson University where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Industries specializing in media, business, and communications. Christy is experienced in managing multiple projects with competing deadlines while working with a diverse group of people. With her background in prominent talent agencies in Toronto and Ottawa, she has developed a reputation as a strong communicator, problem solver, team player and a consistently reliable individual. Christy is passionate about working towards something that makes a difference in her community.
