Finding a path back into the workplace after eight-year absence wasn’t easy for Ariadna Atkins, a mother who took time off to care for her special-needs child. When it was finally time for her to re-enter the workforce, she didn’t know how to start the job search.
She applied to the CareerConnect Martin program, and she met with Gina Masters, a Workforce Development Coordinator. One of the first things they worked on was identifying her strengths and skills, which were used to bolster her resume and help her gain self-confidence.
“In those eight years, she became an amazing multi-tasker, keeping things organized. These are skills she used at home, and I helped her see she could transfer those into the workforce,” Ms. Masters said. “It’s about changing perspective and focusing on the positive things.”
Ariadna brushed up on her interview skills and completed her DISC assessment to learn more about how she can best fit into a team. Through CareerConnect Martin, she was placed in a Trial Employment Opportunity – a paid apprenticeship – with Audra Creech, an attorney at McCarthy & Summers.
“Utilizing CareerConnect and Trial Employment has helped our firm fill a much-needed position, increased the likelihood of a successful long-term placement, and allowed the us to discover if there was a good fit,” Ms. Creech said. “This significantly decreased the upfront costs of onboarding a new employee. The CareerConnect team was able to add a major asset to our firm, for which I am exceedingly grateful.”
After completing Trial Employment, Ariadna was hired full-time earning more than expected. She was also pleased with her experience in the program, which is part of the Martin Chamber Foundation.
“From start to finish, my experience was beyond what I’d hoped for,” she said. “Thank you so much for giving me the support I needed to take the leap and make the change.”
CareerConnect Martin, is a free workforce development program funded by the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Martin County, Martin County Health Services Department, the Children’s Services Council of United Way, Bank of America Foundation, the Community Foundation of Palm Beach & Martin Counties and other generous corporate and individual supporters.
CareerConnect Martin is looking for new business partners and clients to join the free workforce development program. To learn more, log on to careerconnectmartin.org or call 772-287-1088.
