Billy found their career through the Opportunity Knocks employment program
“I was working as a cook to put myself through university. After I graduated with a design degree, I felt lost in a freelance job market that is infamous for exploiting emerging artists and designers. So I kept working as a line cook and didn’t have time or energy to do anything else. Luckily I joined Opportunity Knocks.”
Opportunity Knocks helps young people who need assistance overcoming barriers to find work or further their careers. The program provides a personal career assessment, training in leadership development, conflict resolution, first aid, Customer Service Excellence certification, and a twelve-week job placement. For Billy, getting back on track started with the assessment.
“The program allowed me to take stock of what I wanted to do with my life, and helped me explore career options where I could use my skills and passion for art and social change, all while getting paid. I was able to get my foot in the door at a non-profit organization during the work placement, gain experience and build my resume.
After working short contracts with different organizations, I now have a full-time permanent position at MABELLEarts as an administrative and communications lead, and help facilitate creative workshops for seniors. I’m finally experiencing the elusive thing known as “job satisfaction” and feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be.”