Story and photo by
Lyndall Mack
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This article / interview was
originally published on the YWCA Saskatoon Website/blog on February 13, 2018.
Its original title was "A Heart of Gold: Passion for Working at the YWCA.”
The link to the original article is HERE.
Robert Francos is a team member at the YWCA
Employment and Learning Centre, a YWCA staff long service award recipient with
a passion for his chosen career. He shared what makes his role at the YWCA so
rewarding, not only to the clients he helps, but also for him.
Francos, who has been part of the YWCA team for
since 2012, highlights the skills and experience that can be gained through the
resources offered at the Employment and Learning Centre and illustrates some of
those services through the multifaceted nature of his own role.
“I have two positions,” said Francos. “The first is
the Computer Lab Instructor. I teach a number of different classes:
Introduction to Computers, Internet & Email, two levels of Word, two levels
of Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Social Media, and Job Search Online in a
non-judgmental, patient way. My second job title is Skills Coach, where I help
people look for jobs online, assist with wording and formatting of résumés and
cover letters, and aid with emails and applying for online jobs.”
Improving
employable skills
The YWCA’s Employment and Learning Centre supports
both women and men who are seeking skills that will further them in finding a
career. Francos speaks on the variety of resources at the centre, which has
something for anyone who is trying to improve their skills.
“Everyone who comes into my computer lab is
different, and the challenge is to figure out what they need, and what is the
best way to help them approach their search,” said Francos. “Some people are
desperate, or scared (scared of computers, or scared about where their next
rent payment is going to come from), and it’s my job to figure out the best
path in how to help them.”
A
newfound satisfaction
Prior to joining the YWCA team, Francos worked for a
Fortune 500 management consulting firm. He admits the corporate experience
was draining at times, but now he has a newfound satisfaction in directing
others on their own search for the right career by giving them the tools and
teaching them the skills that will ultimately aid in their success.
“Here, I get to help people find
jobs,” expresses Francos. “As for the most rewarding? First, when I am
instructing a computer class and I see someone get it, that makes me feel
great. My favorite thing to hear is when someone tells me, ‘I wish I would have
known this when . . . It would have made my job a lot easier.’ Second, when I’m
out and about in the city, and I run into a former student working at their
job, and they tell me that I helped them learn the skills to get that position.
That really feels great.”
Conquering
the fear of technology
Francos teaches skills that are beneficial in each
step of the job hunt process. This starts with résumé help, and then continues
with training in computer programs like Excel and PowerPoint, considered
valuable skills by companies who are seeking a well-rounded candidate to fill a
position. Not surprisingly, many of those sought-after skills are
technology-related. Francos asserts that there is something for everyone who is
willing to learn and enhance their chances of starting a career.
Something
for everyone
“There are many resources in the Employment and
Learning Centre,” explains Francos. “For example, beyond what I do, there are a
number of Employment Counselors who do one-on-one services for job searching,
résumés and email; a comprehensive program called Trade Journey to help women
begin careers in the trades; a library of job search/résumé writing/interview
questions books; a three-week program called the Job Finding Club; and shorter
workshops. I’ve been through many of the other programs in the city, and have
found that the YWCA is incredibly comprehensive and suited to most people.”
The Trade Journey program Francos describes is a
16-week program that assists women in beginning and succeeding in construction
trades, such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, electrical or sheet metal. The
program teaches participants the necessary skills and knowledge in order to
advance in their chosen trade.
Keeping
an open mind
Searching for the correct job or career path can
sometimes be a job within itself. Francos’ words of advice? Perseverance and
keeping an open mind are keys to success when it comes to finding the right
career.
“Nearly every job I’ve had has started as part-time,
temporary, or casual, and has grown from that, including this one,” confesses
Francos. “It’s important to not be intimidated by a lengthy job posting,
because there are a lot of transferable skills you already possess that may
make you more suited for that job than you realize.”
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