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Build your Resume at an MCC Thrift Shop!Two summers ago, Aaron Dawson got some valuable job experience: shipping/receiving, customer service, working the till, answering the phone and learning to direct calls appropriately. At the age of fifteen he wanted to get a part-time job, but didn't have anything concrete to put on a resume. For many young people, putting together a resume is a challenge. Employers are looking for people with experience but you can't get experience unless you have a job. But Aaron's resume looks great now. That's because he took part in the MCC Thrift Shop Resume Builder program. "The program is designed to help students get real work experience, so that when they go to apply for their first job they can say that they've worked at a variety of things,” says Doug Willms, the MCC Provincial Thrift Shop Coordinator. “It is also a way to connect young people with the work of MCC and Thrift – it combines work experience with volunteerism.” How it works The Resume Builder Program is a 60-hour program that gives students the opportunity to experience different aspects of running a shop. They work with managers and other volunteers in the shipping/receiving department to accept and sort donations. Stocking shelves, creating displays, and keeping the shop tidy are important skills learned. Customer service and working the till - one of Aaron's favourite tasks - are also part of the program. At the end of twelve weeks, participants receive a certificate and a letter of recommendation that they can include with their resume. The program also has flexibility. Participants can work weekends only or once school is out and more time is available, they can work during the week and complete the program faster. The program is designed for young people aged 14 and up who are looking to gain experience and who want to learn more about MCC and volunteering. "This really is a win-win program for us," says Willms. "It provides our MCC Thrift Shops with much-needed volunteers. Students have an opportunity to get experience and find out where their strengths and interests lie. And once the program is done, they're more than welcome to stay and volunteer!" Aaron enjoyed his experience so much that he applied for and got a summer student job at the Abby East Thrift Shop last summer, working full time. This summer, he's going to apply at other retail stores, knowing that he's got a great resume to help him get a job. But even though he'll be working elsewhere, he'll never forget the opportunity he had and the great people he worked with at MCC. "I liked working there. The volunteers are friendly, the work is interesting and it feels good to know that I'm also helping a good cause," he said. |
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