Spectrum Works

Our Spectrum Works Career Fair program is dedicated to supporting individuals on the spectrum, helping them thrive in the workforce.

Spectrum Works2026-05-03T16:30:45+00:00

Help US

Help Us Build Spectrum Works

To make Spectrum Works a success, we need the support of National and Regional Employers who are committed to building inclusive workplaces. The more employers we bring to the Career Fair, the more opportunities we can create for talented job seekers on the spectrum.

If you are a National or Regional Employer, or if you have connections who could help, we need you!

Substance Cares and Spectrum works team and volunteer group photo

Celebrating Success: The Spectrum Works Career Fair Impact

The Spectrum Works Career Fair has transformed the employment landscape for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With over 3,500 attendees seeking job opportunities, the program has become a beacon of hope and support. In 2025 alone, over 2000 job seekers have benefited from this initiative.

Attendees engage in conversation at an inclusive career fair booth, where individuals share information and resources. The two people cheing the table are wearing t-shirts that say it's a neurodiverse universe
Employer Participation

170+

Regional and national employers
engaged in our events.

Attendance

7000+

People living with ASD attended our job fair seeking employment to date.

Community Support

100+

Autism service providers across Canada contributed.

 

Media Reach

400+

News stories from 100+ media outlets
covered our impactful events.

A smiling presenter crouches down beside a podium displaying the Spectrum Works logo, gesturing toward it in an indoor event space.

OUR JOURNEY

Celebrating 9 years of

Spectrum Works

Over the 9 years, we have facilitated numerous successful placements, helping participants find meaningful work that aligns with their skills and interests. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive workforce continues to drive our initiatives.

Xavier Pinto and Neil Forrester in conversation at an indoor event, with one person gesturing while another holds documents.
2017

Launched Toronto Career Fair
- 150 Job Seekers

Created in 2017 in Scarborough, Ontario, Spectrum Works is established by Neil Forrester and Xavier Pinto to create job opportunities for individuals on the spectrum.



Our mission began with a small team dedicated to making a difference. With the support of friends and family we were able to establish our first Toronto Career Fair.



The first event hosted over 150 participants and 10 employers.

2018

2nd Toronto Career Fair
– 500 Job Seekers


This event marked an important step forward in our journey to create meaningful career opportunities and strengthen community impact.

The strong attendance confirms we are filling a need— and shows us we need to do even more.

Attendees review informational displays at a booth featuring ASD job readiness programs and employment resources at an indoor event.
Xavier Pinto and Neil Forrester posing with Michael Coteau -Member of the House of Commons of Canada at the Spectrum Works Career Fair
2019

Spectrum Works has grown into a national initiative, expanding to three major cities:
Vancouver – 300 job seekers
Montreal – 300 job seekers
Toronto – 700 job seekers

This milestone reflects our commitment to connecting more individuals on the spectrum with inclusive employers across Canada, creating meaningful career opportunities and stronger communities.



Our team has worked hard to expand the program across Canada and by 2019 Spectrum Works has become a national initiative.

2020

A Pause That Sparked Innovation

When the pandemic forced us to pause in-person career fairs, it gave us the opportunity to rethink how we connect job seekers and employers.

From that reflection came the launch of a national virtual Spectrum Works Career Fair, designed to serve even more Canadians with unique needs and expand access to inclusive opportunities across the country.

Xavier Pinto faceing backwards to show off the Spectrum Works logo on the back of his t-shirt
Virtual Floor Plan showing the career fair layout.
2021

First Virtual Career Fair 

– 1200 job seekers

Spectrum Works successfully transitioned to a national virtual career fair, connecting more than 1,200 participants across Canada. This milestone ensured that job seekers, employers, and service providers could continue to come together — no matter where they were — breaking barriers and creating inclusive opportunities nationwide.

2022

Growing National Impact

-1300 Job Seekers

Building on the success of our first virtual event, Spectrum Works hosted its second national virtual career fair, connecting with more than 1,300 job seekers across Canada. This achievement reflects our expanding reach and ongoing commitment to creating inclusive opportunities nationwide.

Attendees speak with business representatives at an information booth during an indoor event, exchanging details and learning about available career opportunities.
Spectrum Works Career Fair table with company representatives and job seeker. the table has some swag items that are being given away.
2023

Expanding Accessibility, Reaching More Job Seekers

-1500 Job Seekers

By leveraging the accessibility benefits of the virtual career fair, Spectrum Works welcomed more than 1,500 job seekers in 2023. This milestone highlights how virtual programming breaks down barriers, connects more Canadians, and creates broader opportunities for inclusion in the workforce.

2024

Anmazing attendance
-1800 Job Seekers

Spectrum Works achieved its largest impact to date, connecting with more than 1,800 autistic job seekers. This milestone reflects our growing reach, stronger partnerships, and unwavering commitment to building inclusive career opportunities across Canada.

A job seeker sits across from an interviewer at a table, engaged in a one-on-one conversation during a structured indoor networking session.
Two attendees speak with a staff member at a registration table during an indoor event, engaging in a friendly and supportive interaction.
2025

Expanding with Combined Formats for Virtual and In-Person Career Fairs

In 2025, Spectrum Works is bringing the best of both worlds by hosting a national virtual career fair alongside two in-person fairs in Toronto and Ottawa. This combined format ensures greater accessibility, deeper community connections, and more opportunities for autistic job seekers across Canada.

2026

Building for the Future

Looking ahead, Spectrum Works is focused on ensuring long-term impact and sustainability.

Our goals for 2026 include:
• Registering as a charity to strengthen our foundation
• Securing government funding to expand programming
• Soliciting more donations to keep Spectrum Works running year-round and continue empowering autistic job seekers
• Supporting School Boards with Co-op placements for Autistic students looking to get experience in the workforce
• Creating employment programs between employers and Autistic job seekers in their transition years


These steps will allow us to grow, serve more Canadians, and create lasting opportunities for inclusion in the workforce.

A group photo of the Spectrum Works team and volunteers. Text on the image reads, A heartfelt thank you to everyone - job seekers, employers, service providers, and donors - for your incredible support. Together, we're building inclusive opportunities and changing lives.

Why Employment Inclusion Matters

The Economic Impact of Employment for Autistic Adults in Canada

In Canada, over 80% of autistic adults face unemployment or underemployment, despite their potential for meaningful contributions. By fostering inclusive workplaces, we can unlock their talents and drive economic growth.

30%

Research suggests that teams with neurodivergent professionals in some roles can be 30% more productive than those without them.
(Deloitte Insights)

90%

of Canadians believe more should be done to support people with autism at work
(Autism Canada Survey)

2X

Autistic adults with access to job support are 2x more likely to maintain long-term employment.
(Source: Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance)

Testimionials …

“I thought that it was an amazing event. Everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful. It was very easy to set up. The event was well planned and ran very smoothly. I am hopeful that some of the attendees may apply to the CBSA for various positions. I very much look forward to being able to attend in the future.”

Steve MacLean

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

 

“The employees that were working there were really helpful. When I attended the job fair for the first time, I was overwhelmed and an employee helped me approach potential employers based on my job experience. I really enjoyed the sensory room the most.”

Dayna Cruz

Job Seeker

“I made some great connections with parents and got great feedback and life stories.”

Cindy

Volunteer

“The job fair went well — great turnout!”

Gerard Tadiosa

Arrow Workforce Solutions

“The job fair was very well presented and thorough. It was a very good job fair and it was very well presented!””The job fair was very well presented and thorough. It was a very good job fair and it was very well presented!”

Erin Belair

Job Seeker – Ottawa Career Fair

“I really liked talking to the people. They were really friendly and I really felt like they were listening to me and asking me good questions. I thought I got good information and did a good job talking to the people.”

Jack Dimou

Job Seeker – Toronto Career Fair

How many employers take part in the fair?2026-04-10T16:44:34+00:00

Over 100 inclusive employers have participated across the years. Each year the number continues to grow.

How much does it cost to register?2026-04-10T16:39:56+00:00

National employers: $500
Attendees: FREE
All fees go toward supporting the delivery of accessible and inclusive career fairs.

Can we attend both virtual and in-person events?2026-04-10T16:40:22+00:00

Yes. You can choose one or more events during registration.

How many job seekers attend?2026-04-10T16:44:53+00:00

In 2024, more than 3,000 autistic job seekers took part in the fair. We expect similar or higher attendance in 2025.

Can I explore employers before the fair?2026-04-06T16:43:06+00:00

Yes. Before the event, you will receive a PDF guide with a list of participating employers. This will help you learn who will be at the fair, what kinds of roles or services they offer, and how to plan your day.

When Does the Fair Start?2026-03-19T19:53:24+00:00

2026 information will be updated when registration opens.

Last years fair information is below as an example.

The Virtual Career fair runs from
12 PM to 5 PM Eastern
11 AM to 4 PM Central
10 AM to 3 PM Mountain
9 AM to 2 PM Pacific
You will receive an email with all details a few weeks prior to the event

Toronto In – person Career Fair
Location – Metro Hall – 55 John St. Toronto, ON M5V 3C6
Time – 12 pm – 5 pm Eastern
You will receive an email with all details a few weeks prior to the event

Ottawa In-person Career Fair
Location – Sir John A. Macdonald Building- 144 Wellington Street Ottawa is K1A 0A2
Time – 12 pm – 5 pm Eastern
You will receive an email with all details a few weeks prior to the event

Is There Any Cost to Join the Fair?2026-03-19T19:52:49+00:00

No. Registration is free for job seekers.
Spectrum Works is made possible through donations, grants, and small fees from employers and service providers. This helps keep the
event free for autistic job seekers and their families.

What Should I Bring to the Job Fair?2026-03-19T19:44:49+00:00

Bring a completed resume that you feel comfortable sharing with employers.

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