But in November last year, the former safety co-ordinator at the whiteware manufacturing plant in Mosgiel attended the first Work and Income employment expo at Taieri College to see if he could find a new job.
And on Saturday, he was behind one of the 42 stands providing employment opportunities at Work and Income's second employment expo at the College.
Mr Mitchell is one of the success stories of the expo and now has a job at Drivetech - a company which teaches and certifies people to drive heavy vehicles such as trucks, diggers and buses.
"I came along to the November expo and said to the guy behind the Drivetech stand, 'Have you thought about taking on another trainer?' The answer was, 'What size jacket do you take?'
"I'm rapt that I've been able to find a new job that's stimulating. It shows there really is life after Fisher and Paykel."
Work and Income regional labour market manager Paul Casson said the expo was part of the Restart Package, which aimed to reconnect those made redundant at Fisher and Paykel and Cadbury's back into employment.
"We saw this as an opportunity to connect with local businesses, community-based organisations and industries in Otago, Southland and further abroad. It's aimed at getting people into real jobs.
"The number of employers here today demonstrates that there are still jobs available in our region. I'm heartened by the local community's response. They've been very supportive."
Employment stands included the defence forces, education providers, recruitment agencies, business support agencies and business franchises.
Mr Casson estimated about 300 people from Fisher and Paykel, Cadbury's and members of the general public attended the expo.
