Yellowknife (Feb 17/06) - It's difficult enough introducing yourself to a potential employer, but what if you have little work experience?

Add a disability to the mix and getting a good job seems to be an impossibility.

That's where Amanda St. Denis and her co-workers at Employability in the Northway building come in.

Affiliated with the Yellowknife Association for Community Living, Employability is a free employment service provided for people with any kind of disability.

St. Denis is an employment support worker. She helps people uncover employment goals and determine whether her clients need or want training.

"Some people need help writing a resume, others need to use the job search board. Others need support in a work environment," said St. Denis.

Employability also offers liaison services between clients and current or potential employers. "Clients set small goals and then uncover larger goals. They also build relationships with their employers."

St. Denis is from Ontario and has an honours degree in sociology. She started as a summer student and jumped at the chance to work full-time. She has worked for Employability for almost two years.

She says the biggest challenge most of her clients face is a lack of job experience.

To combat this, Employability implemented the pre-employment training program.

Eleven students participate in the nine-week program. During that time, clients have an opportunity to do a two-week placement to gain work skills.

St. Denis says Yellowknife employers have been very receptive to this people with disabilities.

"There is a stigma attached to people with disabilities. Yellowknife has been very supportive and there are a lot of employers to work with."