When Nick Peters, Jeremy Deschamps, Rowan Wood and Ian Augustin started the Youth Work in Trades Program, they didn’t quite know what to expect, but through the encouragement of School District 22 Career Coordinators, these young men found their passion…and a career.
Through the Youth Work in Trades Program, students will receive work-based training of a trade apprenticeship while still in high school. They earn credits towards their high school diploma, log 480 training hours toward their trade credential and have the potential to win a $1000 award.
Nick Peters had aspirations of becoming a heavy duty mechanic or auto service technician in grades 9 and 10. But as the years passed, he realized that wasn’t the trade he wanted to build a career in. “Working with the career coordinator at my school was a great experience and so helpful.” Nick took his trades training in plumbing and has already had a lot of great opportunities. He is currently working for Fox & Sons Plumbing with a goal of attaining his required hours and ticket.
Jeremy Deschamps decided to focus on the trade of welding after spending a couple summers welding with his uncle. When presented with the idea of the dual credit training, Jeremy thought “It was a great opportunity to do something I’ve always enjoyed doing, so I jumped right on it.” Jeremy’s future plans include finishing off the last level of his apprenticeship, continue progressing in the trade and eventually becoming a millwright.
Rowan Wood didn’t put a lot of thought into his career after graduating. It was actually during some extra curricular activities where Rowan met someone who introduced him to framing. With that introduction, Rowan joined the Youth Work in Trades Program and started on his journey as a framer. When asked what his advice to others would be: “Start thinking about a career in trades early. There are so many great job opportunities.”
Nick, Jeremy and Rowan started in the Youth Train in Trades program where they took Level 1 technical training in their chosen trade at Okanagan College, with their tuition paid for by School District 22 (with funding from the Industry Training Authority and Ministry of Education). They then continued on in the Youth Work in Trades program where they secured employment and received practical training in their apprenticeships. In both programs, these students earned high school credits towards graduation.
The hard work of these gentlemen paid off on Thursday evening, when Nick, Jeremy and Rowan were presented with the $1000 Youth Work in Trades Award, sponsored by the Industry Training Authority (ITA). (Ian was unable to attend the presentation as he is currently working in his field of carpentry on Vancouver Island.) The workplace skills gained through the ITA program have been invaluable to these students and we wish them all the best in their new careers.
Staff Resources
