Success Stories: Generation Y&Z Program
This program is designed to assist youth to develop skills and knowledge to get a job. This opportunity to “earn as you learn” includes 8 weeks of classroom training and 16 weeks of paid work experience. Read more about our Generation Y&Z Program here.
Courage and Positivity Lead to a New Found Passion
Mary was looking for a positive change and experience in her world. What she found was an ad on Kijiji about a Gen Y and Z Program being offered through Being Human Services. Mary met with Kelly McNeely to discover what this program was all about and thought “this can’t hurt”.
During her program, Mary enjoyed learning about all the things that make people different in their own unique way. This knowledge taught her how to react or not react to differences – she learned not to take everything so personally, when that may not be the case. Mary stated that she is proud of herself and has increased her self-awareness and boosted her self-confidence – she sits and stands straighter now – more understanding of who she is and an acceptance of her strengths and abilities. All the staff were supportive of her growth and development and each one taught her diverse and unique things. Staff inspired, motivated and challenged Mary to move forward with her life. Mary said that each workshop taught her different life lessons and at the end of the program became collective and wholistic in her view of herself. Her classmates offered her support, helped her gain confidence and she has made new friends as an added bonus.
Mary was offered a work experience at PetSmart as part of her Gen Y and Z Program. She is excited as she drives to work for her shift at PetSmart. She loves it there – staff are awesome! She enjoys learning about all the products and services that are offered to pet owners. Mary is very proud of all the community work that PetSmart is involved with and is honored to be a part of the contributions they make to a variety of organizations. She is thrilled to be offered the opportunity to train in the salon / grooming area.
PetSmart Inc. is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. At PetSmart, they love pets and they believe pets make us better people.
Katrina Caunter – Store Leader for the local Medicine Hat PetSmart is very impressed with Mary’s attitude and willingness to learn on the jobsite. Katrina stated that Mary’s involvement with the Gen Y and Z Training Program gave Mary exposure, background and experience in what PetSmart would expect from her in their training program.
Mary has completed all required core floor training and is currently completing some hands-on training in the salon area. Katrina commended Mary on her openness to coaching / guidance and taking feedback to her heart – which is the big thing for Katrina. She catches on quickly and is thorough – Mary does not want to disappoint. Mary is very personable and is willing to help team members without question or complaint. She is a positive, contributing member of the PetSmart team!
Mary is kind and generous – she has welcomed a rescue dog Bandit into her home and into her heart. And a big heart she has – big enough to take are of all the pet owners and their pets at work and then come home and give the rest to Bandit!
Mary's Presentation
If you find a job you like, you will never work a day...
Mary with Store Leader, Katrina
Only good results can come of this. Positive Experience!
Mary & Bandit
Being Human Services was really helpful and supportive!
Jared at Fix Auto
I knew the program would open more doors for me...
so I applied!
Pride and Determination Pay Off
Jared is a proud man – proud of who he is and proud of his work ethic – a quiet kind of proud. Jared will not be boastful or loud about it – he will prove it through his actions. Jared wanted to get out of “the patch” as he was tired of living away from home and the lifestyle it was offering him. His ego was taking multiple kicks as he was looking for work in the trades arenas and was not getting any interviews – he knows he is a hard-working guy – why wouldn’t anyone give him a chance to prove it? So, as he was cruising the internet trying to find jobs that he felt no one would give him a shot at – he discovered information on the Gen Y and Z Program. He said he knew that the program would open more doors for him, so he applied and was offered a seat in the program.
Now Jared is not a “sitting” kind of man – so having a seat in a classroom was an experience for him! Jared enjoyed learning about how other people work – how other people think – and differences in strengths and communication styles. He stated he liked the personal development part of the program. The Gen Y and Z Program opened a door for him – the door to a work experience at Fix Auto North in Medicine Hat.
Patrick Quinlan, General Manager of Fix Auto North / Sun City Ford stated the Gen Y and Z work experience allowed his business to work with Jared as they may not have interviewed him or hired him due to his lack of direct experience in the automotive / autobody industry. The 11-week work experience allowed the employer “time” to expose Jared to all aspects of the autobody and automotive industry. Patrick stated that sometimes with new employees they do not understand the level of skill, the level of process and the attention to consistency that is required on the jobsite. The wage subsidy is an opportunity to take a leap of faith with an individual and diminishes the financial commitment to invest in the development of an employee. This time is essential to both the employer and the employee – does the employer see growth and learning in the employee and is the employee interested in this industry?
Patrick speaks highly of Jared and said that he is “servant minded” – he wants to do a good job and proves this through his actions, motivation and attitude. Patrick said that skill development can be taught, but “inner desire” cannot be taught. Jared came with a fantastic work ethic and strives to always get things done – Jared wants to do the right thing for the company and proves this commitment daily. Patrick stated that Jared is eager to learn and a down to earth type of employee.
Garry Peltier, Business Development Manager, echoed Patrick’s thoughts on the work experience component – this allowed Fix Auto North an opportunity to work with Jared who was “green” in the industry. Garry said that Jared takes initiative to do what needs to be done – he has “the vision” to see what to do without being asked. Jared demonstrates a willingness to take on challenges and tasks and always helps his co-workers to accomplish what needs to be accomplished.
Jared thrives in the hands-on Fix Auto North environment – no more sitting – and with the variety of his day to day tasks. He is always willing to come in early or stay late to get the job done. Jared said that he enjoys the people; everyone is easy to get along, easy to work for, and easy to work with – that’s a lot of easy for someone who enjoys a challenge!
We are proud to announce that Jared was recently awarded an Autobody Technician Apprenticeship.
Little did Kyle Radford know that attending a Family Literacy Program would be the first step for him in becoming a registered Electrician Apprentice for Jim’s Electric.
Karen Ziemann from Being Human Services was facilitating an information session for a family literacy program when she had a casual conversation with Kyle. For years, Kyle had been looking for a job that would lead him into the electrical field but had not been able to get his foot in the door anywhere because he had no experience. Karen talked to him about the Gen Y & Z program and the rest is history.
Kyle entered the program as a shy person. He said that the program opened him up. He learned so much about himself and gained confidence in interacting with individuals and in a group setting. He enjoyed the training program more than school because he was there to better himself, not just to get a grade in a class. The program put him on the path to becoming a registered apprentice and taught him to take risks and make solid choices. Kyle understands the importance of a good resume, work search techniques, informational interviews and how to prepare for an interview, skills he didn’t have before and is grateful to have now.
Kyle earned himself an electrical apprentice contract after only one and a half months on the job! He speaks highly of his crew at Jim’s Electric and stated that he can ask anyone anything and that it is the best learning environment he has ever been in. For the first time, Kyle is excited to get up and go to work as this does not feel like a job to him. He had never experienced this before.
Tom Peterson, Red Seal Electrician and Foreman for Jim’s Electric, is proud of the training process that the company does with apprentices. Kyle will have the opportunity to become a well-rounded and highly skilled Electrician with training in commercial, residential, industrial and service work. Jim’s Electric pride themselves on their philosophy that training is focused on information and knowledge being passed on to newer employees. Employees are encouraged to ask questions and to learn from their challenges and mistakes.
“I enjoyed the training program more than school because I was there to better myself, not just to get a grade in a class. ”
Tom stated that Kyle’s strengths are that he has a natural ability to learn and he approaches his tasks with a positive and can-do attitude. Kyle has a happy and good-natured personality. People like to have him on their crew and the crew trusts that he does his job to the best of his ability and to company standards. He has a strong attendance record and is ready to work, which are important attributes to an employer who has deadlines and projects to complete.
Kyle looks forward to a bright future in his new career.
Moving Forward on the Road to Success
Jeff Hirst - Foreman and Kyle Radford
From Empty Handed to Employed
Taylor Ismond was unemployed for over a year due to the economy and lack of job openings. She was feeling very frustrated as she was pounding the pavement looking for work and coming up empty handed. Grandma to the rescue! Her grandmother noticed that Being Human Services was offering a training program for youth in our community. Taylor met with a member of the Being Human Services Team and was accepted into the program.
Taylor thoroughly enjoyed the training portion of the program. She loved how interactive and hands-on the classes were and how the classes made her think – think about her life, career and employment options. Taylor said that this was the first time that she got to know herself! She learned how to look for a job that suits her and fits her interests, abilities and strengths. Taylor stated that Being Human Services staff were there for her – they cared about her and made her take responsibility for her choices and actions. She learned to think before she acted.
Taylor entered the Gen Y & Z program thinking she would end up in a nursing profession and ended up in construction and she couldn’t be happier! Working at Advanced Exteriors as a construction labourer, Taylor is continually learning about windows, doors, siding, gutters and capping, and working with a variety of hand and power tools. She is excited to go into work to see what projects need to be done for the day and to be challenged on the jobsite. Taylor said that her crew is awesome and willing to teach her new skills.
Don Gillespie is the Owner/Sales Manager of Advanced Exteriors and was so impressed with Taylor’s interview that he was more than willing to complete a work experience with her. Don said that Taylor was well prepared for the interview – she had done her company research and had a good idea of job responsibilities.
Don expressed gratitude to Being Human Services for recommending Taylor for his company. It relieved a lot of pressure not having to go through 100 resumes to find someone who was willing to learn on the jobsite and would be committed to the company’s mandate of quality of workmanship and high level of service. He is very impressed with Taylor and her work ethic. She shows up early to work and is eager to learn. Taylor earns her keep, keeps up with the crew, works hard, is strong and not afraid to get her hands dirty. Don said she is a rare find and a keeper.
Don would like to thank Being Human Services for providing such a worthwhile program to small and independently owned businesses such as Advanced Exteriors. The wage subsidy was a benefit to his company while Taylor was learning on the job.
Becoming a Part of a Supportive Team
Anthony never considered a job in flooring before the Gen Y and Z Program and was up for the opportunity when he was offered a work experience at Design Flooring. He loves the challenges, creativity and problem solving of the industry including tiling and dealing with transitional flooring. Anthony said that there is a “brotherhood” in the industry and on his crew – they have taken him under their wing since day one. He has never worked on a crew who is so open to teaching and guiding him on the job site. Anthony knows he can ask anyone on his crew any question so that he can continue to learn and do the best he can on the projects that they are working on.
Kevin Brooks, President of Design Flooring Centre, stated that the Gen Y and Z Program has dual benefits to employers and the employee."It’s a two-way street." The wage subsidy took away the risk of hiring a new employee and allowed his company time to properly orientate and train Anthony on the work site. New employees cost a company money and Kevin did not lose “labour” hours training Anthony and was impressed that Anthony had already completed some safety certifications during the Gen Y and Z Program as this is value added to a new employee.
Kevin Steinke, Production Manager, added that the Gen Y and Z Program work experience component allowed the Design Flooring Centre team time to train Anthony in the flooring industry which instilled competence and confidence on the job site. In their industry, they deal with time lines and tight schedules and Anthony was prepared to be challenged and to be successful.
Both Kevin Brooks and Kevin Steinke speak highly of Anthony as being hard working, diligent, ready to learn and happy and cheerful on the job site. “Anthony doesn’t sit still until you tell him to take a break. He sets up the job according to the individual crew specifications and can accommodate each crew members style and this is no easy task. Anthony contributes to a positive team environment and is well liked by his crew."
Anthony is happily married and happily employed and his story will continue….
"The Gen Y and Z Program flipped my life!"
Anthony’s soon to be wife was on Facebook and saw a posting about the Gen Y and Z Program offered by Being Human Services. A couple of weeks later he was sitting in a classroom. Anthony said that the Gen Y & Z Program flipped his life! He enjoyed all aspects of the program stating that the lessons were relatable and transferable to both his personal life and his work life. Anthony is on a budget craze right now due to his budgeting class and he is using tips and tricks that he learned. He is also taking all his classroom knowledge and newly acquired skills to the workplace and is very successful.
The Gen Y and Z Program reinforced to Anthony that employers aren’t ambiguous; they are people with expectations, personalities and who have different communication styles than him. He found that the Myers Briggs and Personality Dimensions classes taught him how to relate to people in a positive and constructive manner and how to best convey his ideas to them.