Nevada Jay, a recent graduate from Holland College is showing her true potential as a graphic designer with Etsy’s largest worldwide seller, Bohemian Findings, says Minister Richard Brown, Workforce and Advanced Learning.
“It is such an honour to pair recent graduates with once in a lifetime work opportunities at PEI businesses who are excelling above and beyond in their industries,” said Minister Brown. “Not only does this create a mutually beneficial relationship between employees and employers, but it also helps to fill needs within Island businesses.”
The Graduate Mentorship Program pairs recent graduates with mentors who can provide hands-on work experience and training in the graduates’ field of study. Wage subsidies are provided to employers to create long term employment opportunities for new employees. Jay is currently employed full-time at Bohemian Findings, a custom jewelry manufacturer, located in St. Peters Bay, Prince Edward Island.
“Having been in business for five years now, we are constantly looking at new and exciting ways to grow our business, and when we heard about the SkillsPEI Graduate Mentorship Program, we knew it was the perfect fit for our next phase,” says Hope and Andy Milner, owners of Bohemian Findings.
“We had originally been working with an independent graphic designer, however, the need to have someone onsite at the shop became increasingly necessary. We were able to hire Nevada, a candidate that fits our business well and shares our goals. Nevada is able to develop her skills here with us, interpret our clients’ visions and turn them into tangible realities.”
Jay’s duties include working with current and potential customers to design their visions; training on and operating the company’s laser machine; photography and using Adobe Photoshop to update the company website; identifying and designing new products; and working alongside the Bohemian Findings team to identify and develop new customer target markets.
“As the team’s graphic designer, I have a creative outlet to offer my experience and skills and help bring Bohemian Findings’ creations to life,” said Jay. “The team values my opinion and I feel that my hard work and education is paying off. I truly enjoy the daily challenges and embrace the feedback I receive. I love going to work each day knowing that I am respected as a designer and apart of such a great team.”
For more information on SkillsPEI’s Graduate Mentorship Program, visit www.skillspei.com
The Graduate Mentorship Program is delivered by the Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning with funding through the Canada-PEI labour market agreements.