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Triumph Vocational Services Having a positive attitude is key A Triumph Vocational Services™ Success Story • February, 2005 Having the right attitude was a win–win for two Triumph Vocational work experience candidates and Hamilton Insurance Services Inc. in Vancouver.When asked by Triumph Vocational Services if they would consider taking on a person with a disability for work experience, Hamilton Insurance didn’t hesitate. Their only concern was meeting the person’s particular environmental needs. But they didn’t have to worry. Feeling confident about the Triumph process, Hamilton Insurance approached their first work experience candidate with enthusiasm. “Our first candidate volunteered for three months. After three months, a position became available at one of our branch offices and, largely because of his positive attitude and willingness to work hard, we offered him the position.” Feeling confident about the Triumph process, Hamilton Insurance approached their first work experience candidate with enthusiasm. “Our first candidate volunteered for three months. After three months, a position became available at one of our branch offices and, largely because of his positive attitude and willingness to work hard, we offered him the position.” “It’s all about having the right attitude and character,” an executive at Hamilton Insurance said. “It’s about being happy and wanting to work.” According to Barb, the Triumph Job Developer, Hamilton Insurance had the attitude people with disabilities need in order to be successful. They provided an environment that was sensitive to and supported the needs of their employees. With one candidate successfully employed, Hamilton Insurance agreed to take another candidate from Triumph. Again, within one month, an administrative position came up. Because of her positive attitude and approach to work, she was well prepared and successfully landed the job. Within seven months, she progressed a senior level secretarial position and has been nicknamed the ‘organizational guru’. Both candidates were “gung-ho” about their work. “They have great attitudes,” a Hamilton Insurance executive said, “and the right work ethic.” Throughout the employment process, Hamilton Insurance didn’t focus on the candidates’ disabilities. The needs of the candidates were already inherent in Hamilton Insurance’s style of operation. There was no need to make extra accommodations. They both had what each other needed. Hamilton Insurance’s integration of people with disabilities was “not a problem,” according to one executive. Candidates were screened ahead of time and we were confident the required work skills were in place. What was essential was they both had winning attitudes. When asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years,” both candidates said they saw themselves working for Hamilton and building on their careers. This was the kind of feedback Hamilton Insurance needed to consider promoting the practice of hiring people with disabilities nation-wide. “Hamilton Insurance provided an environment that was sensitive to and supported the needs of their employees.” Success on your own terms |