Skills Training for Employment Participants

Getting started in the marine sector: Santiago discovers a lifelong career 

Santiago connected with Quadrant Marine at a trade fair during his last month of high school. With an interest in mechanics and a passion for the outdoors, he was a good fit for Quadrant Marine’s We Float Boats! Marine Service Pre-Employment Program, which trains young people to work in the marine service industry. 

Discovering the world of marine service meant that Santiago was able to find the foundation of a lifelong career within half a year. He now works full time in the marine industry and has enrolled in Quadrant Marine’s apprenticeship program. 

“I'm loving it,” he says. “And I'm learning a lot — mechanical wise, insulation wise, electrical, a whole lot of stuff. It's super fun, I’m super happy.”

Building a better future: Brandi’s life-saving career

Brandi wanted to create a better future for herself and her three kids, but she wasn’t sure how to get there. As a single mother in recovery from addiction, she struggled to find consistent, meaningful work.

Looking to learn skills that could lead to a real career and give her the tools to be self-sufficient, Brandi joined Connective’s Acquiring Community-based Employment Skills program and took Emergency Medical Responder training. What she appreciated most was how the course connected to real-life situations — skills that could literally save lives.

Completing the program gave Brandi a sense of confidence and pride she hadn’t felt in a long time. Brandi is now employed and plans to go back to school to upgrade her license.

“I wanted to prove to myself that I could grow, heal, and build something better for our future,” says Brandi. “Now I have a job that I love and enjoy!”

The foundation of a good career: Koston is excited for the future

Koston had never had a job before joining EMBERS’ Building Better Futures program (now part of the Learn and Earn program). Through the program, Koston gained his forklift, fall protection and telehandler certification.

Koston gained full-time employment right away and soon got an opportunity to be an electrician apprentice. The program also helped Koston get started on his new career by providing essential work gear, like work boots, hard hat and vest. 

“I had no idea what I was going to do and had a hard time finding someone to hire me before getting these tickets,” says Koston. “I am now feeling prepared and excited for the future.”

A newcomer’s journey: Lily starts an in-demand career

After spending ten years focused on her family and with her youngest now in child care, Lily was looking to build a career for herself. With her experience as a parent, Vancouver Community College’s Early Childhood Education Assistant Training seemed like a good fit. 

The four-month interculturally inclusive and accessible program gave Lily a good understanding of the childhood education field. She enjoyed learning with the 17 other women in her program and appreciated the chance to do a four-week work placement at a local child care centre.

After the program, Lily was hired by her work placement employer. She plans to become an early childhood educator and has enrolled in further training to achieve that goal. 

“Everyone was so encouraging and helpful,” Lily says. “I am excited to build my career in this field.”