Taking the Detour: How One Client Turned Setbacks into Success 

Life doesn’t always take us straight to where we want to go. Sometimes a roadblock sends us on a detour. Though initially feeling like a setback, a detour can, surprisingly, lead to something even better. Have you ever experienced that? 

Aliasghar Mehdigholi has! After being laid off from his role as a Machine Operator in 2021, Aliasghar faced one challenge after another. Despite resume support, interview prep, and job search assistance, his limited English skills seemed to hold him back.  

So, he took the detour. He enrolled in ESL classes, worked part-time with Uber Eats, and kept building his skills while staying in the workforce. Each twist and turn seemed to slow his journey—but it was shaping him for what was ahead. 

In 2022, an opportunity came for a School Crossing Guard position. With encouragement from the Centre for Skills team who recognized his great attitude and aptitude for this job, Aliasghar applied for, trained, and began a role as a crossing guard. This is where his dedication and kindness quickly shone through. 

Fast forward to 2025: Aliasghar was named “Crossing Guard of the Year” by the Ontario Safety Council, earning city-wide recognition for his service in Toronto.  

For Aliasghar, what seemed like a setback became a path to personal growth, improved English, and an award celebrating his excellence. Today, he’s ready for his next career chapter—stronger, more confident, and grateful for both the detour and the Centre for Skills Team that led him there. We will continue to support him through this next chapter! 

Because sometimes, even if the detour seems like the long way to get there, it will take you exactly where you need to be!  Finding your career detour difficult to manage? We can support you!

Call us at: 905-333-3499

Email us at: employmentservices@centreforskills.ca

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