NEW GRADS BOOST BUSINESS
Pinto Engineering Limited has a new go-to person for innovation.
Jason Landry, a recent graduate from the Civil Engineering Technology program at NSCC, is bringing new ideas, new technology skills and new business to the Halifax- based engineering firm, Pinto Engineering Limited, and he’s changed some company thinking while he’s at it. “When Jason joined our team, our view on hiring a young person changed,” said Malcolm Pinto, President and CEO. Pinto hired Jason with the help of the Graduate to Opportunity (GTO) program. Before the GTO program, Malcolm says he may have considered hiring a recent graduate, but the program encouraged him to give it serious consideration. GTO provides a salary incentives, 25% of the first year’s salary – 35% if the new grad is a member of designated diversity group – and 12.5% of the second year’s salary. Malcolm says the program is great because it does two things. First, it requires the employer to take a risk, and second, it requires the employer to commit to the process for two years. “This is a wonderful way to support young growing members of Nova Scotia, said Malcolm. “Through GTO our graduates become employed and stay in our province.” Jason says the opportunities at Pinto are vast and that he continues to learn. “Employment at Pinto has exposed me to various projects like concrete, steel and wood building design, bridge and wharf design, as well as restoration of buildings and wharfs. What I learned in school I am applying towards these projects and, at the same time, adopting new skills,” said Jason. This opportunity has been a game changer for Jason. In addition to the new job, the money saved has allowed Pinto to buy the office equipment he needs to do his job, and says without GTO the costs to hire and provide that equipment might be too high. Malcolm says Jason will have a job at Pinto as long as he wishes and their workload permits. “Jason is young, smart, and capable but more importantly wants to do well. In my eyes, Jason is a long-term employee,” said Malcolm. The GTO program is one of many ways government is helping prepare young Nova Scotians for work and helping them get a foot in the door to land good jobs here at home. The program encourages employers to take a chance on a recent grad and provide them with the experience they need to grow and succeed here in Nova Scotia.
THIS IS A WONDERFUL WAY TO SUPPORT YOUNG GROWING MEMBERS OF NOVA SCOTIA