A College of New Caledonia student from Burns Lake says the skills he learned from the College’s employment program got him off social assistance and turned him into an award-winning employee.  Philip Patrick, 22, was recently presented with Overwaitea’s Personal Achievers Award, which recognizes service, innovation, leadership, helpfulness and teamwork on the job.

Patrick’s road to Overwaitea began in February 2009, when Patrick enrolled in English upgrading at CNC to increase his employment opportunities. He began working at CNC’s Coffee Cart, an employment training opportunity for students where they can learn customer service, cash register basics and other employment skills. By November 2009, he gained the necessary skills to progress to paid work at Overwaitea, where he stocks shelves. Patrick was hired at the Burns lake store on a trial basis and with the assistance of CNC’s Adult Education Employment Support program. He did so well he was kept on at the store when his trial period was over. The management team was so impressed with Patrick’s dedication and hard work they nominated him for the award.

 “Phillip is an inspiration, one of the most exciting hires in my life, to be honest,” said Overwaitea manager Dan Hansen. “He gets it done. He’s loyal and he’s always here when he’s supposed to be. He’s very worth of the award.”