1. WorkReadyNH Stories, Quotes and Testimonials
Our clients have ranged everywhere from 18-82 years old, come from a variety of ethnic cultures, diverse careers,
differing education levels and span anywhere from newly unemployed up to twenty years unemployed. Despite all these
differences, there are some recurring themes that we have seen from the majority of our clients that have gone through
the program – their renewed sense of hope and confidence, feeling productive and valued again, and accomplishing a
common goal as a team.
Graduate Success Stories:
Barbara has an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and had worked steadily in
the business industry throughout her career. After being laid off she went for over a year without working, had lost her
self-confidence and was totally discouraged. She met us at a job fair and decided she had nothing to lose by participating
in the program. The four-week session changed her life for the better and two months later she wrote…
“Good Morning Regina;
I wanted to share my good news. I just accepted a position in accounting with NeighborWorks on Elm Street in
Manchester. It is a non-profit organization that does incredible things for the community. I am honored to be chosen to
be part of the team.
I also would like to thank you for the wonderful experience with the WorkReadyNH program. Teal was an amazing,
delightful instructor, and Michelle was outstanding. The whole class was magical!
Again, thank you for all your support and thoughts.”
Sincerely,
Barbara Guillemette”
Since completing the program, Liz has secured a new job with the State of New Hampshire under Project LAUNCH
(Linking Actions for Unmet Needs in Children's Health). Here are her comments on the program:
"I enrolled in WorkReadyNH as a professional development opportunity. My goals were to increase my math scores,
practice my leadership skills and network with different people and the WorkReady staff made these goals very
attainable. WorkReadyNH program strengths are its 'rigor, relevance, relationships and resources'. Without all of these
key elements it could not support each individual’s needs.
WorkReadyNH helped me achieve my goals of finding a meaningful career position by teaching up to date best practice
human resource intelligence and job search skills and applied on the job academics while at the same time providing a
forum in which to safely practice and improve these skills.”
Best,
Liz Lawrence”
Barbara Guillemette …
Renewed Confidence!
Liz Lawrence …
Meaningful Career!
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2. “Thanks to WorkReadyNH and the support after attending the program I was able to secure a position with a local
owned NH business.
During this program I gained new confidence along with practical interpersonal skills that I will carry with me for life. We
learned to write an eye catching Resume, how to sell yourself at the job interview, working as a team, and basics of how
to write a business plan just to mention a few.
The WorkReadyNH program was a great boost during a very difficult time in my life. Having no job, no money and limited
interaction with other unemployed adults I felt lost and very discouraged trying to find a new career.
At the program I got to know many other people who were having the same struggles trying to find gainful
employment. We all learned how to overcome and tackle the job market hurdles.
Before the program I lacked the work skills that are so important in this tough competitive job market. This program gave
me the skills I needed and courage to go forth.
All of the staff at MCC and WorkReadyNH were very supportive. I appreciate all they did for me. I hope that this program
will continue to be able to assist others as it has helped me.
Sincerely,
Sharon Whitcher”
Mike had been a welder for 20+ years and found himself unemployed for the very first time in his career. While in the
program, he accepted a welding position that started shortly after the session finished. He was very happy about the new
position and really believes the interviewing skills he learned in the program helped him get the new job.
“I gained a lot from the WorkReady program in many different ways and have actually used some of the knowledge on
my new job already. I thank you… for making the WorkReady program such a success.”
– Michael Woodard
Graduate Testimonials:
“I thought the courses and training were very good. I am a Recovery Coach for Webster Place, it is a drug and alcohol
rehabilitation program. I have been sober since 2001 and I think I have a tremendous amount of life experiences to offer
at this new job, so far it has been great. Sometimes we have to think long and hard outside the box. You were all
wonderful and I hope you continue your great work. Everyone needs a second chance.” – Celeste Lavallee
“It provided me a better resume that got me hired! Also more interviewing confidence.” – Annette Marcoux
“I thought that the program was fabulous. I thought the class was very well rounded. I hope that WorkReady always gets
the funding that is needed to continue helping unemployed and underemployed people.” – Debra Szarek
“This program gives you needed support, confidence in yourself, improved/refreshes abilities, assistance when needed
(resume, interviews, networking). Thank you!” – Dona Zajac
Sharon Whitcher …
Upgraded Skills!
Michael Woodard …
Improved Interviewing!
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3. “Good program, highly recommend it for all ages, no matter where you are at in your life.” – Alexa Jellison
“WorkReadyNH and WIA are how I got my job. Self-confidence, self-esteem and a wonderful supportive teacher and
staff are what armed me for the job search. I am a true believer.” – Jessica Barker
“I think everyone should take this class. Wish I could do it again.” – Julie Perkins
“I feel I walked away with a lot of helpful tools to find work.” – William Hanley
“I thought because of my age, it would be more difficult to compete with others. However, I now know that a history of
stability, good work ethics and maturity is probably why I got hired. Thank you for supporting my efforts and giving me
confidence.” – Brenda Young
“I feel every topic was helpful. I learned a lot of things from every topic that I can use in the future. It gave me a good
outlook because now I am more knowledgeable and confident.” – Austin Tenney
“The topics most helpful to me were the communication skills, mastering the interview so I can better sell myself,
business ethics was a great topic so that I could make sure that the right thing is being done, and building better teams
allows you to be better acquainted and bonded with your team mates so it can help improve productivity in the work
place. The program helped me boost my confidence while I apply for new jobs and got me excited to get back out there
after having so many bad experiences in the workforce.” – Dave Noftle
[The most important thing I learned from the WorkReadyNH program was] “learning to work effectively with team
members.” – Gail Merrill
“I just want to thank you… for such a good experience! I started a new position this week and I can't even begin to
explain how prepared I felt transitioning from the WorkReadyNH program into this position. I have never felt so
confident and prepared stepping into a new job. The time and experience in WorkReadyNH was truly invaluable. Many
Thanks!! – Christine Pierog
“Superb! Best thing I’ve done for myself in years.” – Janet Sarno
“Definitely got me ready to work again.” – Kevin Kim
“Again I want to take this time to thank you… for all the opportunities that you have shown me through WorkReadyNH
and after taking the course… I have not only regained self-worth in my abilities regarding my field of employment but
was able to learn some new things in regards to career building, networking and made new friends along the way.
Thanks – Rick Hall
Anonymous Quotes from Course Evaluations:
“I am leaving here knowing more.”
“The most beneficial and enjoyable aspects were the lessons in the Soft Skills book and the discussions that followed.”
“This was a big help to me for getting me “back in the game” and motivating me.”
“I thought the hard skills was a big help.”
“I think the course was great to go through, being out of work, learned a lot.”
“It was a tremendous opportunity for me. I gained a wealth of knowledge and skills to apply to building a wonderful
future.”
[The most important thing I learned in the WorkReadyNH program was the] “Soft Skills.”
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4. [What I liked most about this course was] “having a structured environment and being encouraged to push beyond my
comfort zone.”
[What I liked most about this course was the] “Soft Skills Training.”
[How relevant was this course to your current work situation?] “It got me my current job!”
“The outcome has helped to construct a polished resume and has enabled me to secure 2 job interviews.”
“It helped me prepare to re-enter the workforce.”
[What I liked most about this course was the] “ability to work with other people and learn from each other.”
“It taught me a lot more than my expectations.”
“Very relevant – I wish I had the opportunity to take this course in my college years prior to entering the main stream
work force.”
“Soft Skills were beneficial to bringing up skills that I haven’t used in some time.”
“It helped me boost my confidence and get some great positive feedback.”
[What I liked most about this course was the] “presentations and class discussions.”
“I grew so much in the four weeks.”
“Everyone unemployed should take this course.”
“This has helped me figure out what I want to do with my life and see new paths I might like to take.”
[What I liked most about this course was] “lots of working together and chances to think creatively and solve problems in
new ways.”
“Important skills for the workplace, how to handle conflict, critical thinking skills, and decision making skills.”
[The topic most helpful to me was] “Conflict Resolution – just being able to understand a different side and how to better
work out issues.”
“I wasn't sure what to expect from this program. I gained more life skills than I thought I would. I feel more like a leader
than I did before this program.”
[What I liked most about the WorkReadyNH program was] “the group interaction, meeting new people and networking,
lots of participation throughout, brushing up on all of my soft and hard skills and interview specifics.”
“Excellent inspiration and guidance throughout the whole class. Full of wisdom and valuable experiences. The diversity of
the participants and sharing of their experiences and the relationship / team building exercises were very helpful. The
business group was a very beneficial collaborative learning experience.”
“[The topic I found to be the most helpful was] Customer Service – it helped me refine my skills which I have many years
of experience in. I will be able to put the course on my resume. Education can never be taken away from you, so that is a
great benefit. I believe I will have an easier time obtaining a position having taken this course.”
[The most important thing I learned was] “brushing up on both team playing and communication skills that are required
in the work place and in my case have gone stale.”
“It changed my life. My attitude and confidence has changed.”
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