Excited for the opportunity

The course of Sabrie's life changed, thanks to assistance she received through the Office and Administrative Technology (OATs) program, which is a partnership between CareerForce in Blaine and Metro North Adult Basic Education (ABE). The program provides industry-specific training that can lead to employment in a high-demand occupation with opportunity to advance.

Here's Sabrie's story, in her own words:

"Before I found career pathways and the Office and Administrative Technology (OATs) program, I was switching between being a Personal Care Assistant at a group home and working retail at different chain stores. I got sick of doing the same thing over and over again and started to feel like I was really expendable. I wasn’t helping people or living the way I wanted to. But I didn’t want to go to college. I had been out of school for a while and wasn’t sure I could get back into it. I have been couch hopping since I was 17, but in 2019 I was fortunate to move to Hope Place in January. While there, my CareerForce counselor, Jenilee, told me about career pathways. I said I would think about it, but when I saw the OATs program I immediately knew it was something that I wanted to do.

"I started in March and I liked it right away. The class was small, so the teacher could work individually with us and I learned a lot from others in the class. It surprised me how well I was doing; I liked it. The teacher Mary Ketz, from Metro North ABE, made the class special. She didn’t talk to you like you were dumb. She pushed us to learn something new every day. The class prepared me to pass the Master’s Certificate in Microsoft Office. I was always good at technology, but I liked having the piece of paper to prove it. It shows people that I can do this, and with my work experience, I know I can do it in real life. With the certificate, my class experience and the internship I’m in, I feel like I have a lot to put on my resume.

"Part of the program is to be placed in a 6-week internship. Working with my CareerForce specialist, Melissa Bubbers, I really feel prepared for the work world. Melissa looked for a place where I would succeed and an opportunity for me to gain new skills. I was really lucky to be placed at Anoka Ramsey Community College (ARCC). I was nervous at first because a colleague told me that my supervisor was tough. But then, after working for a while, he complimented my work. He said I catch on quickly, he even offered to extend my internship for a little longer. It’s nice to feel needed. I don’t know if it was the OATs program or doing well in my internship, but it opened my eyes to continuing my education. I know a lot about the school; I know people there and I know my way around. Even though I had my doubts before starting career pathways, I decided to enroll in ARCC and currently am doing pretty well in my classes.

"I have always liked to talk, meet people and help out. With the classes offered by Metro North ABE and my future degree, I will have the education I need to succeed. I don’t know where my education and experience will take me, but I’m excited for the opportunity."