what do I want to do?

Career Planning Success Story


One day, after 12 years of progressive positions in the field of Telecommunications, I arrived at work and found myself mentally and physically incapable of performing my duties. After a visit to my doctor I learned that I was suffering from major burn-out and depression and simply could not return to that job or any in the same field.

After a few months spent recovering I asked myself the inevitable question � what now? After all those years climbing the corporate ladder I didn't think I had any skills outside Telecommunications. That is when I found out about career exploration programs.

Through the 3 week program I finally recognized the value of my experience and the wealth of transferable skills I possess. After taking stock and exploring ideas with the facilitators and the rest of the group I decided to pursue self-employment.

After the career exploration program I attended a self-employment program, also funded by the government, and now, two short years later, I have started an exciting new retail store. The path to self-employment has been extremely rewarding for me and I am grateful for the help I received that opened my eyes to my true values and my ability to chart my own course.

Graham

looking for work?

Job Search Success Story

As a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Tourism from a University in the interior, I had been seeking employment for two months prior to joining the Job Finding Club. With no work experience in the Tourism Industry the Facilitators advised me to add my project experience from the Bachelor of Tourism Program to my resume to demonstrate experience in the field.

I tried all the job finding strategies they suggested including resume revisions, networking, accessing the hidden job market, contact calls to employers for information meetings and employment meetings, and interview skills.

Although I had never previously scheduled or conducted an information meeting I was successful in booking three over the course of the program as well as four employment interviews through networking and contact calls.

While taking the program I did several job interviews and information meetings and had two solid job offers within one month of completing the job search program. I attribute my success to networking and making contact calls to employers.

I am currently the Marketing Assistant at a reputable company; a position I obtained as a direct result of the program and through making a contact call.

Carol

want to be your own boss?

Self-Employment Success Story

I was laid off in 2004 after several years working as a retail sales manager. I decided to use my past work experience to open my own shop, but I needed some help in creating a viable business plan.

My case manager told me about a government funded self employment program that would give me the skills and training to start my own business. The first 10 weeks of instruction in the classroom gave me the foundation I needed to take my business concept through the stages of start-up and growth.

Opening my own retail store was a challenging and worthwhile journey. Entrepreneurship is my true passion, I am so glad I chose to follow my heart!

Sam

considering training?

Training Success Story

I am a single mother of three young children. When I first met my Case Manager, I had grade 10 education only and my work history was made up of mainly low skilled and low paid entry level jobs. Being a single mom, I was in a desperate need to earn sustainable income to support my family but was completely lost and did not know how to achieve my goals.

My Case Manager arranged for me to attend a career planning program to help me identify my suitable career choices. It was an amazing experience for me as it not only helped me understand myself better, it also helped me identify my career path and the training I would need to reach my career goals.

Once I decided on my career path, my Case Manager encouraged me to research the Labour Market to ensure that I will be able to make a livable income from my chosen occupation. I did this by directly talking to employers and employees in the industry. She also encouraged me to job shadow someone who was already working in the field to get even better understanding of my chosen field.

With the help of my Case Manager, I was able to get full funding from Service Canada for the Licensed Practical Nursing Program at one of the local Colleges. To make the long story short, I am extremely pleased to let you know that I now work as a Licensed Practical Nurse and am really grateful for the amazing support, guidance and encouragement I received from my Case Manager.

Angela

employment resource centre success story

My journey started in 2001 I was laid off from my job and I was on Employment Insurance for a year and couldn't find employment. With no choices left I had to go on Social Assistance.

I found employment and worked for one month then was laid off. After about three more jobs and being laid off each one of them I heard that I might be eligible for funding from the Federal Government to get training. I made an appointment at an Employment Resource Centre with a Case Manager who went above and beyond to help me get funding.

I was approved for funding, went to a local private college where I took an Administrative Assistant program and graduated with honors on February 10, 2006.

I started working on February 27, 2006, at a place that I totally love and where I am still working today. Thanks to the opportunity to have training I am an important part of our community.

Dorothy

Youth Success Story

I came to the Youth Employment Resource Centre in hopes of finding full time work. My job at a local fast food restaurant wasn't giving me enough hours, and it wasn't really the type of job I wanted to do for the long term.

When I met with a Case Manager at the centre we sat down and talked about the types of careers that interested me, and the kind of jobs available in my area. My Case Manager really helped my figure out what sort of job I'd be good at, and connected me with the right training program.

I was referred and accepted into the Discovery to Apprenticeship program, which gave me basic construction and trades training. I was able to try out a few different types of trades and found one that was a perfect match for me! I'm now making great money doing construction labour with plans on becoming a journeyman carpenter.

I would never have had this opportunity if I hadn't connected with a Case Manager at the Youth Employment Resource Centre—and best of all it was FREE!

Brent