Roma

Getting your first job when you don’t have any experience can be a major struggle. For newcomers like Roma who lack professional and social networks, the task is even more challenging.

“I couldn’t find a job even though I sent my resume practically everywhere. No one replied because I didn’t have any Canadian work experience. I started feeling depressed. Then I heard about the TKTC program at the Centre for Newcomers in Calgary and decided I would try that. I’m so happy that I did.

The one-month program was great and taught me a lot. Everyday there were new activities and experiences that introduced me to the working world. It focused not only on job training, but also taught me valuable skills like teamwork that are applicable in so many different situations.

After the program, I got a call from Marriott saying they wanted to hire me permanently. Now, I’ve been working there for three months full-time and I love everything about it.

Having a job at a hotel like Marriott makes me feel very professional. I like telling people where I work. I feel proud. Now I want to stay with the company, get a promotion and pursue a career here! I feel so lucky.”

Thanks to TKTC’s programs, young people like Roma receive crucial support to develop the confidence and skills they need to find employment.

Roma is just one of the hundreds of young people who have been hired by a The King’s Trust Canada employer partner. In fact, as of June 2019, 74% of participants completing the program have been hired and 100% reported an increase in employability skills.