Mission Services of Hamilton - Employment & Training (Marty Karl Centre), recently celebrated the success of 18 graduates who completed the food services or janitorial services program.

"They have overcome much to be successful and for many this is their first graduation ceremony," said Barry Coe, community relations manager. "Many have struggled with barriers in their lives and faced one of the greatest barriers, poverty, but all decided to do something about it and set a goal of getting a job and becoming an active part of their community."

Fifteen of the 18 are now working and the other three have had several interviews and are soon expected to be employed. At last week's graduation ceremony, several employers spoke about what a great asset their employee was.

"I don't know what I would do without her now. Thanks for sending her to me," said Stu Giffen of the Hamilton Tiger Cats, referring to Caroline Hambleton, one of the janitorial graduates who has been working for him since January.

Mission Services of Hamilton-Employment & Training has been helping people become employed for more than 18 years and has hosted over 60 graduations. Clients are assisted in gaining marketable skills that will allow them to get jobs in the food services or janitorial areas. They also receive instruction and ongoing feedback on the employability skills like communication and social skills that are the greatest factor in employees losing their jobs.

People looking to become employed in the food service or janitorial industry or employers looking to hire skilled and dependable staff can call 905-522-5542 for more information.