THUNDER BAY -- Nathan Ryan has taken his first step to become a lawyer.
The 16-year-old St. Ignatius High School student worked at a local law firm for the summer after he applied for help with the YES Employment Services program. He said he never had a summer job before and wouldn’t have been able to work at a law firm without the program’s help.
Although not 100 per cent sold on being a lawyer, he said it’s one of two career paths he wants to follow and was glad to get some real hands-on experience.
“I had a great experience. I thought this program was just incredible,” Nathan said. “Helping students and just experiencing new possibilities that you wouldn’t have gotten if you were just trying to find a job.
“I’ve acquired so many new skills and I’ve learned so much. I’ve always talked about being a lawyer. It helped me see what a lawyer does as well as everyone in that industry. I learned a lot about the legal industry.”
About 240 youth participated in the summer jobs program and each had an opportunity to work with more than 100 employers through the program. The program assists students between the ages of 15 to 18 in order to secure their first job.
Jasmine Carlson, 18, had her first job at Toy Sense working in customer service. Having been away the past couple of years dealing with health issues, Carlson said her experience working with a store such as Toy Sense helped to build her confidence and prepared her for more schooling in order to be a youth pastor.
“I never attempted to get a job before this because I just wasn’t ready,” Carlson said. “Through this program it was really easy finding a job. They walk you through the process rather than you are on your own.
“There’s a lot of jobs at McDonalds and Tim Hortons but for better jobs I wouldn’t say there are tons.”
She added that she would attend Confederation College in order to upgrade her education to Grade 12.
Program co-ordinator Sharon Smith-Baxter said the program has grown since it started six years ago. More employers have heard about the program and have signed up to help students work their first job, she said.
“We had new employers sign on this year and it is from word of mouth from other employers on how successful this is to have students come in and learn new experiences,” Smith-Baxter said.
“It’s beneficial for everybody. If you are between the ages of 15 to 18, you are competing in a large job market. For them to get their foot in the door and get that experience they otherwise wouldn’t get the opportunity for is a wonderful program to allow them to do that.”
