STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

As an instructor at CEO Inc., I have seen many students overcome obstacles and leave the program equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to begin their new careers with confidence.

One student in particular entered the program with a negative attitude because he was fearful of change. On his first day of academic upgrading, he slouched down in his chair and said, “I don’t like school!” This student had a bad experience with school in his past. Through open communication and discussion, we created a flexible learning plan for this student and addressed any barriers to his learning, so that we could best accommodate him in the classroom. As the weeks passed, he gradually began to see the benefits of the program. Of everything that he was learning, he was most impressed with the transferable skills. He began to incorporate goal setting and time management into his daily routine, and this helped him achieve small successes each day. This student graduated from our Employment Literacy program with a firm grounding of number sense and written communication skills, or in other words, essential skills related to his career aspirations.

Upon entering the computer class, this student continued to grow as he learned to use the world of work as a benchmark. His punctuality issues decreased, as he learned the importance of being reliable. He also learned the standards befitting of a work environment, and he dressed more professionally and left his cell phone at home, so he was able to concentrate on learning his computer skills.

Before entering his supported work placement, this student was very different than the one I saw slouching in his chair, complaining about school. He was motivated to do well on the job and put his skills into practice. From the first day on the job, he was positive and conscientious of his behaviour at work. This did not go unnoticed by his employer. Soon after the initial phase of placement where this young man received on-the-job training, he was hired on full time with a higher  wage rate than anticipated. His employer is impressed that he so easily became a part of the team and this young man continues to exhibit excellent time management and setting goals.

 A win/win solution was created by combining Academic Upgrading for the essential skills component related to job goal and a Supported Job Placement program.  As part of the Job Readiness component of the Supported Job Placement program, JSTP and Building Better Work Relations was provided. 

Erin Janssen, Educational Consultant

STORY OF SUCCESS

As a job developer, I have seen many students succeed on the path of a new career.  One particularly stands out.  The student entered our Job Placement program with a great deal of apprehension and misgivings.  The student worked in one industry for one employer and felt retirement from this setting would be bliss; just 15 years to go.  A workplace accident altered this student’s future. 

Since the beginning of the program, this student was anxious to start something new.  Unclear of what kind of jobs could be done with present limitations, questioning and uncertainty were constant companions; for example, “how would I be as successful in this new career as the old one?” 

I met with the student and we discussed options and job search techniques.  Despite all the student’s apprehensions and fears, eagerness to find work was immediate and top priority.  The student put into practice what was learned in job search class.  Resumes were distributed to potential employers and interviews arranged.  However, anxious about work in a new field, several job leads and interviews were sought in the previous job field.  It was obvious that this student was experiencing a fear of change and having difficulty accepting their limitations.  I thought that it might be good for a job shadow experience for a day to enlighten this student on why this field was no longer a viable option to continue work in.  I arranged to meet with the potential employer and set it up.  That day provided the student with a “break through moment”. It was impossible to deny that a change was essential.  A valuable insight was provided to this student with just one experience.  There were still lapses or moments of resistance to ideas and possibilities; however, success was imminent having a plan in place and the right attitude to get us there. 

I found myself coaching this student to maintain a positive outlook and teaching them to use probing questions to discern the suitability of every job ad. 

With continued efforts and supports, the student found a job that turned out to be a perfect fit.  The student was empowered! The student took the lead by first arranging a job shadow and then the placement followed. Outstanding customer service and work ethic helped this student shine in the workplace.  The employer was quick to notice and was more than happy to hire him at the completion of placement.  An offer was in hand before the end date.  It was a win/win situation! 

This one scenario is so reflective of many others in my experience. It’s exciting to help each student through their career transition. 

Joanna Szulc, Job Developer

A Word from the Director

I have always been quite fortunate to witness the success of several students over the years. 

In my career as a helping professional, there is nothing more satisfying than to have graduated students return from completing their diploma or certificate programs following a period of academic upgrading with CEO .  I don’t want to forget the gratifying moments of those students who have not ventured onto post secondary institutions but have taken the opportunity to excel within the various training programs offered by CEO .  All of whom work toward a common goal:  employment.  The thrill is in seeing these individuals accomplish what they initially felt impossible; from initial lifestyle upset and an unsettling situation to putting their future in focus.  This is my chance to explain they are “in-between jobs and cultivating a path into the future”. They get out of program what they put in. 

For those that depart for post secondary training, I love the good bye pep talk I am privileged to give because I know CEO has had a hand in contributing to their future success. It goes something like this, “I’m glad you’re a little nervous. Change is difficult for everyone.   How can we get those niggling butterflies in your stomach to flutter in harmony instead of discourse? Do you remember when you started with CEO ….. so on and so forth.”   I always explain such feelings are a great sign. It tells me how much they care about their future.  “Change is constant. Change can lead to fear. Without fear there would be no courage. Learning to cope with change is an aspect of life that requires flexibility.” I say.  What is it that famous doctor said? “On you will go onward many frightening creek, though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak,” by Dr. Suess. Ok, I like humour.   Next thing I know, bon voyage!   They are smooth sailing.

When they return to the next and final phase that will lead them in to new employment territory, a sense of accomplishment is quite evident in their demeanour. Venturing into the final phase of their rehabilitation plan, the Job Search Training Program or the Supported Job Placement, each student will begin the process of determining their 10-15 skills for a combined or functional resume.  The process of outlining their endeavours throughout their past work and most recent education history brings out sensitivities from feeling sadness over a career that once was, and then a sense of achievement of what milestones have been met back to an unease of the future .  Enter pep talk number 2 while informing him or her that CEO is a resource and willing to extend support to help them triumph.

I love to see these students complete their educational goals and then send them off into the world of work again with the tools and strategies for success. But you know, it’s even better when they return following a few months of placement which leads to employment or even after a few years in to their career.  You will find me in high spirits to see an ambulance stop by and the paramedic drop in to say hello (no, not to take my blood pressure) and give me an update of her life.  Not to mention, one or two of the very personable delivery drivers from a local dealership wanting to buy a round of coffees for the staff.  And then there is...….I could go on and on.  

Ah, the joy of success is all encompassing; the staff victory dance invigorating; and the sense of meeting my calling, pure rapture.  Regardless of each former student’s career path, it’s always rewarding to see them satisfied with their current livelihood and I feel privileged to be a part of that.