21 Mar Liking the Work: Crim Alexie

Supported Work Experience lets employees try on new job—and take the first step toward success

Not long ago, a neighborhood kid asked Crim Alexie, “Can you teach me how to cook?”

Normally, Crim—who hails from Crooked Creek but moved to Anchorage from Kenai a couple months ago—doesn’t want to be in the kitchen after work. But that day, he made an exception.

“I go to work to cook. I don’t want to come home and cook. I told him, ‘This is way out of my norm—but yes, I’ll do that for you,’” he said. The truth, Crim admitted, was that he didn’t mind. “My work doesn’t feel like a job. It feels like home.”

Crim’s work came to him through CITC’s Supported Work Experience (SWE). The program is for individuals who may already have work experience but who haven’t quite found the right fit yet. SWE places adults in jobs where they can gain additional skills, while getting paid; often, these temporary placements grow into something long-term: a new career.

The employee isn’t the only one who benefits through SWE, either. Employers who partner with the SWE program receive reimbursement for SWE employees’ salaries from CITC for the duration of the initial placement. They also have the advantage of getting to know a potential long-term employee while investing in their development, before making a full-time commitment.

“Crim came to us already having real world experience,” reflected Keon Hall, general manager at the Alaska Dinner Factory, where Crim is completing his SWE. “So, he’s able to pick up [tasks] and blend right in with the team.”

The Dinner Factory creates and delivers meal kits to busy families and provides single-serve meals to seniors and vulnerable populations. On the day of this interview, Crim was busy making enchilada lasagnas for the meal delivery service. Kitchen work has taught him a variety of practical skills. But the most valuable ability he’s learned has been curiosity.

“If you don’t know how to do something, ask,” he advised. “You’ll learn something new every day in the kitchen.”

Crim hopes that once his SWE has ended, he’ll get hired on full time with the Dinner Factory. “I like the [factory], and the factory likes me. As long as you enjoy what you’re doing, you’ll find success.”

The Supported Work Experience is offered year-round through CITC’s Career Development department. Connect with Career Development today to start the journey to your next job: cd@citci.org or (907) 793-3467.