 Meet Jeff Gaudet, a participant in the program for five months. Here’s his story...
Imagine you are in your late twenties. Caring for a sick relative has kept you out of the work force for a number of years. Now it’s time for you to get a job. You search the job ads and go on a few interviews but nothing seems to pan out. You’re caught in a classic catch 22 - you want to work but you can’t find a job because you don’t have enough work experience. Your confidence is running low and you’re starting to feel desperate. You don’t know where to turn. Jeff Gaudet was in that very situation.
“At that point, I was ready to try anything. I was running out of options,” said Jeff.
Fortunately, he heard about Youth LIVE from his stepfather and decided to apply to the program.
“When I came for my interview at the Youth LIVE Enviro Depot I was a bit intimidated because it was busy and hectic. Then I looked at the staff and participants who were there getting ready to start their day. They seemed friendly and relaxed so I thought it must be a good place to work.”
And for Jeff, it is. He needed an opportunity to gain practical work experience, a chance to explore career options without worrying about a pay cheque and a supportive work environment.
“People here really care. They want to help you succeed. I’ve worked on my resume and had coaching on job interviews,” says Jeff.
A typical day for Jeff might involve serving customers in the Youth LIVE Enviro Depot, delivering organic green carts to HRM residents or performing remedy work on properties that are in violation of municipal legislation.
For Jeff, the opportunity to gain customer service experience has been invaluable.
“I’ve always been shy so I didn’t think I’d be able to do a job where I had to interact with customers. I was even afraid to apply for a Call Centre position. It was a huge barrier to getting a job. But now I know I can give good customer service.”
Feeling good about what he is doing is the final piece of the puzzle for Jeff. His confidence is back and as the “senior man”, he is a role model and mentor for new participants.
“Five months ago I would never have believed that things could change for me so quickly. Because of Youth LIVE, I have the experience, skills and confidence to find a full time job."
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