Client:Mary
Goal: Finding part-time employment while in school
Challenge: Lack of job search and interview experience
Support offered: pre-employment workshops, interview coaching, job trial
“The most valuable lesson I learned in working with VPI was to never give up. If you’re struggling to find work, there is great, free support available—you just need to seek it out.”
Mary, former job seeker
Situation
Mary first heard about VPI at her high school where the VPI team visited her class to talk about Youth Job Connection (YJC)—a program offering paid workshops and placements to help youth overcome barriers to employment. Lacking experience and confidence with job interviews, Mary struggled to find part-time work while she was in school.
Mary began the YJC program shortly after and received one-on-one and group support to help her through the different stages of the hiring process, including resume building, cover letter writing and mock-interviews. She worked closely with a Youth Job Support Specialist who helped Mary build her confidence and get prepared to meet with employers.
Once ready, the VPI team helped set up job interviews for her. Mary left a positive impression on the hiring manager she met with and was offered a job in the food service industry. Unsure if this was the company and industry for her, she was hesitant to accept the offer. The job support specialist worked out a job trial, in which Mary was able to start out on a short-term basis and determine if the job was a good match. After a successful trial, Mary began a permanent full-time position. She is performing well at her job and has gained skills she will continue to use in the future.