Kirsten
Kirsten was referred to Job Skills through Ontario Works as a single 25-year-old mother. She needed a retail job in Orangeville that allowed her to work standard business hours from Monday to Friday so she would be available to care for her child after daycare.
Did you know?
Employment Ontario can provide transportation passes and vouchers for work clothing to eligible clients.
Kirsten had begun her pre-employment training in November 2022, having already acquired some college education in Electronic Techniques from Conestoga College. Although she suffered from severe anxiety she was determined to work hard and Kirsten and her Employment Coordinator began creating a resume based on her work history. Once she had completed it, Kirsten and the team began targeting local retailers
and boutiques.
At first, Kirsten had a hard time finding the right employer. Most retailers had already hired seasonal staff or couldn’t accommodate the hours she was looking for. Kirsten and the team at Job Skills didn’t give up!
After the holidays Kirsten remembered the retailers who advised her to reapply, and she reached out again. In doing so she was selected for two rounds of interviews with Home Depot, and she got the job! Kirsten was really excited to start but found herself in a difficult place financially. Job Skills was able to provide a little more assistance in the form of a Presto card and a voucher for work clothing to get her started on the right foot!
Kirsten remains employed at Home Depot and is loving it. Congratulations Kirsten!