Staff at WorkBC Maple Ridge Helped Me Believe in Myself
February 26, 2024
Sahar was referred to the WorkBC Maple Ridge Program for the Single Parent Employment Initiative (SPEI). She was unemployed with significant employment gaps in her work history. As a single parent Sahar had needs for specific work schedule. With no formal education, she was facing difficulty finding meaningful employment.
WorkBC Maple Ridge was able to provide Sahar with funding for training. Initially, she enrolled into a Dental Assistant program; however, she struggled with the coursework and withdrew from the program. She then enrolled into a Mental Health Worker Certificate program so she could work in the field of personal counselling.
While completing this program, Sahar accessed many of the supports available with WorkBC including:
- Workshop supports for resume writing, job searching, and career explorations
- Filling out applications for employment
- Direct marketing to potential employers
- One to one interview coaching
- Attending hiring fairs with a job coach
- An introduction to multiple employers
After Sahar completed her program and received the training offered through WorkBC, she secured a position with Coast Mental Health as a Mental Health Worker.
“Throughout the services I have received from staff at WorkBC Maple Ridge I have always found them to be helpful and professional. The professionalism and services were consistent whether I was in a workshop, Resource Centre, or in my Employment Services to job search. Especially, I am thankful for support I received from my Employment Specialist, Sheryl Shankar. Sheryl followed up with me regularly and always made me feel like my questions were addressed after meeting with her. I learned so many valuable job searching techniques, and most of all she always went above and beyond and encouraged me and helped me believe in myself and gave me the courage to accomplish my goals and help me with employment. I have completed my training now and I am successfully working in my field thanks to her commitment to help me and the staff here. Thank you everyone.”
Congratulations Sahar! We are so proud of you!
