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.”

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.”

From newcomer to new beginnings: Hanadi rebuilds her career

Hanadi, originally from Syria, moved to Vancouver in 2017 but faced multiple hardships, including a difficult divorce, living in a transition home, and losing her teaching job after suffering a concussion. Her goals in joining S.U.C.C.E.S.S.’s Active Generation for Employment program were to rebuild her career and gain stability for herself and her family.

Hanadi learned valuable skills through the program, including practising interviews with employers. With newfound confidence, she was able to apply her existing knowledge toward a stable and fulfilling career. She is currently working as a support & inclusion activity leader at a non-profit organization. 

A gateway to the skilled trades: Sophie finds stability through welding 

Sophie was struggling with mental health challenges and her family relationships when she joined Okanagan College’s Youth at Risk Gateway to Trades Sampler. Through the program, she gained experience with a range of trades and discovered a keen interest in welding.  

Thanks to the program, Sophie proved to herself that she can stick to a schedule and stay on track. Now employed, she no longer feels stuck in her head and has improved her relationships with family and friends.  

“I’m doing better physically and mentally because I have something to look forward to,” says Sophie. “It makes me feel better about myself.”