Over the past ten years, Nuria worked as a cashier at several stores. After a recent layoff she was ready for a career change, but was nervous about learning new skills.

At her employment counselling appointments, Nuria had trouble keeping track of all the information about career planning and job search strategies. The counsellor noticed her difficulties and referred her to Action Read for help with computer skills for job search and to research the labour market and training programs in Guelph.

Nuria started coming to Action Read’s computer drop-in group, where she learned how to use the Job Bank. Action Read staff helped her explore her options for employment and training support. She considered taking a certificate program at Conestoga College but she really needed to get back into the workforce as soon as possible.

When she learned that she was eligible for the Self-Employment Benefit program offered by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Nuria decided to start a residential cleaning business. She was approved for the program, and Action Read matched her with Amanda, a volunteer tutor who ran her own small business.

Nuria attended training workshops at the Guelph Business Enterprise Centre. Every week, she reviewed her notes with Amanda. They also spent some time writing and editing a business plan, which Nuria typed on the computer. Later, Amanda taught her to use a computer spreadsheet program to keep track of client information.

With her cleaning business up and running, Nuria continues to come to Action Read and meet with Amanda. They still work on skills for her business, but she also has a new goal: to write her life story!