The best way for an employment support professional to assist a new hire to participate in an employer’s training is to provide supports based on needs identified by the new hire. This is because the new hire is the best source of information about their own strengths, preferences, and challenges, and the employment support professional should respect their autonomy and self-determination. Providing individualized supports can help the new hire learn the skills and knowledge required for the job, as well as build confidence and trust with the employer and co-workers. Asking the employer to provide special training, having a co-worker explain the unwritten rules, or attending the training on behalf of the new hire are not the best methods, as they may imply that the new hire is not capable of learning the same way as other employees, or that they need extra help or supervision. These methods may also create dependency, stigma, or isolation for the new hire, and may not address their specific needs or goals. References:

CESP Candidate Handbook, page 5, Domain 4: Workplace and Related Supports, Competency 4.1: Provide individualized supports to the employee based on their needs and preferences.

Online Learning - Association of People Supporting Employment First, Module 4: Workplace and Related Supports, Lesson 1: Individualized Supports.