From participant to manager: how Chris found his career path

Chris Blackwell now manages SSI’s The Staples Bag

“I started with the SSI Work for the Dole program in August 2015,” Mr Blackwell said. “I began in the SSI Community Kitchen, but soon they started giving me experience with the other program, Humble Creatives.”

After Chris finished his compulsory work experience hours, one of his supervisors encouraged him to interview for an upcoming position. When the social enterprise Humble Creatives started growing, Chris was a perfect fit for the Team Assistant position. Chris attributes his fate to the personal connection he first felt with the SSI program and its staff.

One of his main responsibilities was conducting market research to explore products that provide new skills for job seekers.

Chris is also responsible for supervising the performance of job seekers, making sure they arrive on time, sign their timesheets, and learn new skills each day.

With work experience and local markets and events being affected due to the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, Humble Creatives took a hiatus, but Chris’ skills have not gone to waste. He is now the manager of SSI’s low-cost grocery store The Staples Bag.

Learn more about SSI Employment Services.