Prince Edward Island Employment Journey

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My Connection 2 Employment experience

by Dean Marcus D. Ramos

Everyone needs an income to live comfortably. One of the ways to earn money is to get a job but searching for a job can be exhausting because of several reasons such as scrolling through numerous jobs listings, submitting applications, waiting for responses, and going to interviews.

I have learned the Government of Prince Edward Island funds plenty of employment and training programs to help solve the unemployment issue. One of the organizations available for youth is Connection 2 Employment PEI in Summerside. They offer programs throughout Prince and Queens County, and their mission is to create a brighter, healthier future for youth, families, and the community.

Connection 2 Employment or C2E is one program that provides youth with resources, information, and life and employability skills to further their employment opportunities and gain self-confidence. I found out about this program through Karen Ford-Doyle, Academic Advisor at Holland College Adult Education division, where I have been working towards earning a GED. I decided to attend the first C2E information session, which made me decide to join the program.

I was nervous yet excited for the first day, but I managed to overcome my nerves because of my desire to become the best version of myself. Throughout the 10 weeks of C2E, I met new people, learned new skills and certifications, and travelled to places I have never been to before. Coordinator Cynthia Cormier and Facilitator Gwendolyn Slover were responsible, knowledgeable, inspiring, and caring. I admire them for their professionalism and for doing their best every day.

My plans after this program are to upgrade my academic credits so I can meet the requirement to enter a Holland College full-time program and continue to seek a job that can support my financial needs. C2E had helped me build connections that is useful for my future.

American boxer Muhammad Ali once said, “Even the greatest was once a beginner. Don’t be afraid to take that first step.” A lot of times, people are afraid of taking the first step towards their goal because of their fear of failure. But my view is if you do not attempt something, how can you know if you can do it or not?

Cutline: Participants and staff of the C2E program are joined by Susie Dillon, MLA for Charlottetown-Belvedere, and Karla Bernard, MLA for Charlottetown-Victoria Park, who encouraged the participants to keep learning and growing. Both talked about the many jobs that exist on PEI and wished them well on their career journey.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
about C2E, contact Barb Broome, Executive Director, at 902-436-2815 or barb.c2e@epydc.org.

Visit www.epydc.org/programs

Dean Marcus D. Ramos receives his certification of completion of the Connection 2 Employment program in Charlottetown. To his right is Barb Broome, Executive Director of C2E and to his left is Susie Dillon MLA for District 11, Charlottetown-Belvedere who congratulated the participants on behalf of Premier Dennis King.