Level IT Up uses a comprehensive intake session, followed by and intensive three-week training and assessment program covering everything from work readiness, workplace preferences, mock job interviews, employability skills and more.Get Started
“I received very useful instructions regarding work etiquette, adjusting resumes, cover letter writing and job interviews.”
Ryan, Level IT Up participant
“Level IT Up helped me refine the skills I already had in order to access employment better.”
Violet, Level IT Up Candidate
Get To Know Us
Level IT Up candidates who successfully complete the training/assessment program are offered the opportunity to continue with Level IT Up as consultants. Consultants then work with Level IT Up staff to find employment in the tech sector where employers have been given background knowledge about ASD as well as a point of contact with Level IT Up who can provide ongoing support as needed.
Likewise, Level IT Up consultants moving into the workforce have ongoing access to support and mentorship through Level IT Up job coaching personnel.
Qualifications:
We are looking for adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, or high functioning ASD who are 21 years of age and older with skills and training in computer science. You must be self-motivated, interested in working in the information and communication technology sector, be fluent in English and be willing to work with us throughout the assessment/training and employment placement process.
Some of the specific work related skills we will be assessing include:
- Punctuality
- Attention to detail
- Work ethic
- Accuracy
- Proficiency
Other areas of interest include:
- Your understanding of ASD
- Self-care
- Hygiene
- Temperament
- Relationships
Success Stories
In 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, Damon was laid off from his job at a call centre after 5 y of full time employment with glowing performance reviews. This came as quite a blow to his self-confidence and required major changes in his work/life schedule and balance. While Damon qualified for the Canadian…

LEGO® Hangouts
Are you a Manitoba resident, over the age of 21, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, with an interest in computers?
During Covid-19 pandemic, we will not be holding Lego Mindstorm meetups. Please contact us directly to inquire about applying to the Level IT Up training and assessment process and someone will get back to you soon. We hope to move to a digital delivery model by late spring/early summer.
FAQs
How has Level IT Up evolved from concept to reality?
The Level IT Up social enterprise concept came out of similar ventures already hard at work in Canada and around the world. Using and adapting business frameworks from Meticulon in Calgary, Mindshift, in Fargo, and many others, an initial business plan for Level IT Up was developed and a feasibility study completed.
With a committed board of directors and the support of many local businesses in Winnipeg’s information and communications technology sector, the model is being tested and the future looks bright.
In time, Level IT Up will further evolve to support a wider range of individuals with neurodevelopmental difference in additional business sectors including, accounting, engineering, science and technology, etc. where their unique advantages (attention to detail, intense focus, excellent rote memory, pattern recognition, etc.) can be used to their greatest advantage.
Who can I speak to to learn more about the Level IT Up business concept?
Contact President Anne Kresta or any one of our board members to learn more about our business concept and how it might benefit you or someone you know.
How does the Accessibility for Manitobans Act and fit in with Level IT Up?
The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA) is a landmark piece of legislation that became law in 2013. It commits to removing barriers to accessibility in the areas of customer service, employment, transportation, information and communication, and the built environment. Standards are being developed to support this legislation with increased public awareness and knowledge of how to support and encourage diversity in all aspects of community life. Level IT Up will serve as a resource for employers to learn how to better accommodate neurodiversity and will also serve as a source of new hires as these businesses diversify their workforces. Learn more +
What is a social enterprise?
“A social enterprise is a business owned by nonprofit organizations, that is directly involved in the production and/or selling of goods and services for the blended purpose of generating income and achieving social, cultural and/or environmental aims.”
A social enterprise is a business model that allows an organization to earn revenue for its services while maintaining its non-profit status. This revenue is used to pay our consultants competitive wages, pay our job coaches and pay other staff involved in the enterprise. Some of the revenue is also used to offset the costs of assessment and training processes when screening our consultants for their suitability in working with us. Other revenue sources used to offset these initial costs include donations, grants and fundraising.
Our social purpose is the increased independence and employment of adults with ASD in Winnipeg.
Resources
Below are a series of links, documents and resources. The presence of a link on this website does not necessarily imply that Level IT Up supports, endorses or recommends a method, treatment, product, resource, remedial centre, website or program — nor does the absence of a link imply a that Level IT Up does not support it. If you have a resource to share, please forward using the Contact Us link.
Helpful Organizations and Community Resources
Asperger Manitoba Inc.is committed to ensuring that this support will be available to all people living with Asperger Syndrome. It currently hosts monthly support groups for adults with Asperger Syndrome. Visit their website to learn more.
If you are looking for supports transitioning to adulthood, Asperger Manitoba Inc. and Continuity Care have a great workshop series called Launch into Life. It includes a workbook/resource guide as well as a series of videos covering off topics including:
- Health and Wellbeing
- Independent Living/Living with Independence
- Communication and Social Relationships
- Education and Employment
- Legal and Financial Issues
AMI also acts as a key advisor to Level IT Up.
www.asperger-manitoba.ca
MANITOBA POSSIBLE
Manitoba Possible, formerly the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities (SMD), provides programs and services in areas ranging from education and work experience to counselling and therapy programs.Adult Services are focused on creating opportunities and breaking down barriers by providing training and support that enables adults living with a disability to live as independently as possible. 204-975-3257www.manitobapossible.ca
SARA RIEL
Sara Riel Inc. provides quality services in community supports, housing and employment to persons with mental health challenges through best practices, client choices and partnerships.
www.sararielinc.com
SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT AND THE MANITOBA SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT NETWORK
Employment Assistance for People with Disabilities, formerly known as Marketabilities, administers a supported employment program. Through Supported Employment, people with disabilities have supports to acquire and maintain a job.
The Manitoba Supported Employment Network website provides information for educators, employers and job seekers and a listing of organizations that provide information and/or services for supported employment.
www.msen.mb.ca
Government Supports and Information
EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME ASSISTANCE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
The Employment and Income Assistance Program (EIA) provides financial help to Manitobans who have no other way to support themselves or their families. For people who are able to work, EIA will help them work by providing supports to employment. EIA recipients also get Rent Assist if they need help with their shelter and utility costs. www.gov.mb.ca/fs/eia/
EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES PROGRAM (EAPD)
Formerly MarketAbilities, this program assists individuals with finding permanent employment(part-time or full-time), offers assessment, career counselling, job search, job maintenance, workshops, skill development, employer connections, 1:1 support and more. www.gov.mb.ca/eapd/
INFORMATION FOR MANITOBANS WITH DISABILITIES
This web-based tool will help you find information on the services available for people with disabilities in Manitoba. The information is organized into user-friendly fact sheets that answer the most commonly asked service questions raised by individuals with disabilities, their families, care givers and service providers. www.gov.mb.ca/fs/imd
Post-Secondary Education Information and Supports
MANITOBA INSTITUTE FOR TRADE AND TECHNOLOGY
MITT offers High school and post-secondary education and training in both full-time and part-time programs. MITT is dedicated to supporting students in a practical and effective manner to access trades and technical training leading to employment. This includes individualized accessibility services, embedded employability skills in all programs, and direct links to industry employment opportunities. www.mitt.ca
STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES
Student Accessibility Services provides support and advocacy for students with disabilities such as: hearing, injury-related, learning, mental health, medical, physical, visual or temporary disabilities. They act as a liaison between students and the faculty and staff of the post-secondary institution as well as service agencies within the province of Manitoba. Accommodations and programs are offered to support students and students must be recommended and verified by a registered health professional. Student Accessibility Services offers support and accommodations based on a student’s individual needs and the academic standards of the post-secondary program. These may include:
• providing supports and programs that recognize our diverse student environment;
• promoting partnerships between students, faculty and staff; and
• educating the university community about accessibility.
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE NORTH
PRIVATE VOCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
When you are unsure of how to handle a situation where there is risk to self or others, it is important to understand where the behaviour is coming from and if there are strategies in place to help you work through it.Contact your supervisor or HR department to learn more.If you or a colleague are familiar with Mental Health First Aid, use those strategies to work through the challenge.
In Winnipeg, there is a mobile crisis response service available through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. You can learn more about it here.
You may also want/need to call the Winnipeg Police Service. Learn more about the WPS and its Vulnerable Person’s Unit, here.
Klinic Sexual Assault Crisis Line
Video Resources
Part 1: ASD 101
Part 2: ASD on the job
Check out this great series of video and print resources for adults with ASD in Manitoba
Affordable and Accessible Housing in Manitoba
Getting an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis as an Adult in Manitoba
Peer Networking and Building your Circle of Social Supports in Manitoba
Navigating Government Disability Services in Manitoba
EMPLOYERS
CANDIDATES
- Candidates .
- Employers .
Success in the Workplace Employer Toolkit
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- Employers .
- Links .
Mental Health resources in Manitoba
- Candidates .
- Employers .
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Mental Health First Aid Guide
- Candidates .
- Links .