(Nenad) I learned a lot.
(Nancy) It's been life changing.
(David) The sky is the limit, I'm going to make it here.
networking and employment opportunities, careers in diverse sectors and industries
supports to reach your employment goals, building confidence, relationships and skills
Workforce Development Month 2018
My name is Nancy Kamalanthan – My name is David Chinyama - My name is Nenad Vucovic
My name is Damion Douglas.
(Nancy) I was interested in the trades, just not sure which trade I wanted to go into.
(Damion) I am new to Canada and had challenges in terms of how to apply and where to apply.
(Nenad) ...first challenge was to adapt from European and Middle East way of living and
type of resume.
(David) I came here to Canada last year.
I'm a visual artist.
I had no one to show me where to start from.
Hi my name is Gladys and I work for the City of Toronto Employment and Social Services.
My name is Farah – My name is Paula Paterson
(Farah) I'm currently working in the Employment Centre.
(Paula) My job is really fulfilling because I do see success stories.
(Farah) You know we have so many opportunities here with all the supports that are in place.
(Nancy) So, I was at my Ontario works office, there for an information session for youth.
A lady came over to ask me, oh was I looking for a career, what was I doing here.
(David) …and they asked if I was willing to be a part of the project.
(Nenad) She told me that there was job fair at Yorkdale, ah Yorkdale mall.
(David) Luckily enough, that’s when I got involved with Art Connections.
(Damion) A very good friend of mine was a part of the PAYE program last year and he
gave me the name of a person who I can reach out to.
(Nancy) She suggested that I try the program, Constructions Connections.
(Nenad) …and she said you definitely need to apply.
(Damion) I have learned how to apply for jobs, where to apply for jobs.
(Nenad) …improvement in interview skills, interview approach…
(Nancy) I think one of the biggest thing it gave me is confidence, and I knew that confidence
can now go out into the workforce and other parts of my life.
(David) It has helped me a lot to establish myself here as an artist.
(Damion) It has so many opportunities for you to develop as a person both personally
and professionally.
(Nenad) When you are improving yourself, you feel very good.
(Nancy) There’s a lot of people around me to support me and that was really huge.
That's something I've never gotten before.
(Farah) We are all invested in the same goal, their success is our success.
(Paula) …and we are going to support you with whatever you need.
(Gladys) A lot of the time, our participants come in they say, ‘I can't do what that
person is doing’, and we always say, ‘yes you can’, because with perseverance, with
commitment, and hard work, you will get there.
(David) Looking at what I have achieved so far, I've had a number of exhibitions since
I arrived here and soon I am going to be headed out on an international exhibition.
(Damion) Funny enough, I got a call from an employer who wanted to have an interview,
you know of course I was very excited about that.
I think I aced it obviously because I go the job after so I think that was amazing
(Nenad) I went to the job fair.
I accepted the job and now everything is history.
(Nancy) I ended up applying for a painting apprenticeship.
It was an all women’s apprenticeship actually.
From there, I finished the 8 weeks of class and now I'm working.
(Damion) …and I can say that I have learned so much being a part of the PAYE program.
I have taken all that I have learned and I am utilizing those skills right now in my current role.
(Nancy) I don't really think of Construction Connections as just that it got me into a
job but it set me up for success in life in general.
(David) The past 6 months that I have been involved with Art Connections have been tremendous for me.
I have gained so much.
I've established myself as an artist.
(Nenad) You just need to believe in yourself, to have your goal.
(Nancy) Whatever you are interested in, take a chance.
There is so many programs out there, find out the one you want and just try it!
Workforce Development Month is from September 24 to November 2
Get involved in over 30 employment-related
events that help connect job seekers to career information and job opportunities in sectors
such as the arts; construction trades; finance; hospitality and tourism; emergency services;
technology, and retail.
Find a career path that is right for you!
For more information and to see a list of
events visit toronto.ca/workone