Equipped and Ready for Big Things Ahead
Have you ever felt totally stuck, unsure of what your next move should be? When Ron was laid off, it seemed he had slipped into a world of locked doors. After applying for countless jobs, he became discouraged and couldn’t see a way out.
In his past, Ron had worked as an electrician, but after losing hope that he’d find a job in his field, he let his ticketing lapse. Bills were piling up. Ron was falling behind financially, and looming on the horizon was the very scary, and very real possibility of becoming homeless.
With everything on the line, Ron made his way to Bissell Centre for help. At first, he started coming for meals on days when food was scarce. But when he heard about the casual labour program, he breathed a sigh of relief. He took any job he could get, because he knew any experience he could gain would help him build his future. But finding quick work was only the beginning of his journey!
A case worker connected Ron with the Community Bridge program, which provides clients with a one-time loan to prevent eviction, utility disconnection, or foreclosure. Ron was ready to do everything he could to prevent the loss of his housing. He was not afraid to work hard, but just needed guidance on budgeting and finding supportive resources.
Before long, his debts were paid off, and he was safe and secure in his home—and much better equipped to focus on his career options.
As soon as Ron started accessing Bissell Centre’s Employment Services, he had a host of amazing resources at his fingertips, not just casual labour, but life management workshops and employment counselling, safety courses, resume development, supported job searches, and more.
In the end, he walked away with numerous valuable tickets, such as forklift operation, height safety, WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) and H2S first aid safety training.
He was feeling equipped, ready, and much more hopeful.
Just as Ron was about to launch into his job search, he was offered a life-changing opportunity that would bring him back towards his original passion—electrical work—but this time, with a new and very timely skill set.
Ron was invited to participate in Bissell Centre’s solar panel installation training program. He flourished in the program and left with a newfound passion for clean and renewable energy. Through this program, he was introduced to NEWO Energy where he was hired full-time.
Life looks entirely different for Ron now. He is living in new housing, he is loving his job, and he gets to spend a lot of time with his family.
“The staff at Bissell Centre really believe in me. They believe in you until you can believe in yourself,” says Ron. “I don’t know where I would be without them. If I could tell them anything it would be ‘thank you’”.
Now, looking ahead, Ron intends on enrolling in the NAIT electrician program this coming winter to further his career. We wish him all the best.