As Blake was finishing his last year of high school, he was working on his plan for after graduation. His resource teacher referred him to Neil Squire’s Creative Employment Options program for help.

Blake has a learning disability, which affects his focus, information retention, and motivation. In school, he actively sought additional support to ensure he understood his tasks. He also has depression, but uses coping mechanisms such as reminding himself of the temporary nature of emotions, staying task-oriented, and engaging in physical activity for mood improvement.

Because of his learning difficulties, Blake decided to delay pursuing post-secondary education and focus on securing meaningful full-time employment in the trades.

With the help of his Neil Squire Job Developer, he learned to create tailored resumes and cover letters, develop job search strategies, as well as using his network and accessing the hidden job market. He also worked on enhancing his interview skills, and navigating disability disclosure during the interview process.

Blake was determined to find employment, so he submitted numerous online applications and even personally delivered resumes to companies and job sites.

Through perseverance, he landed an interview with a local plumbing and heating company. He nailed the interview, and in short order, he was offered an entry-level HVAC position. He is currently employed full-time.

Blake says he is grateful for the invaluable skills he learned in the Creative Employment Options program.