…and the best part about it is that I get to change people lives each and every day. There is this whole other side to it that is, well administrative and a text book example of how bureaucracy serves its own growth and purpose (…the benefit of a social science degree)…sigh! Nonetheless, the really cool part is that we help folks of all walks of life find purpose and passion in a skilled trade career. It’s called the Skilled Trades Employment Program (www.stepbc.ca if you are interested in learning more).
I have been with STEP (the parent organization is the BC Construction Association) almost a year now, and have been privileged to lead a team that has helped and improved the lives of dozens of people. The core of what we do is to work one-on-one with people to remove the barriers which are holding them back from finding success in a skilled trade career by providing the resources and supports to make them job ready – for some it can be a simple as mentoring and networking, and for others it can mean paying their tuition at a technical college. Of course there some eligibility requirements, not the least of which are some criteria from our funders and demonstration to us that you are a good fit for our program – this is no place for those with a sense of entitlement or poor work ethic.
Did you know there are over 130 skilled trades recognized in BC through the Industry Training Authority – yes over 130! For more information give me a ring some time or visit www.itabc.ca
My Cool Life…
In the early fall this year I had the honor of working with a young man with new family and new to Canada. In a few short weeks we had him placed with a company in a skilled trade apprenticeship where he was getting paid to learn a new career AND provide for his family. Not only has the company sponsored his apprenticeship they will support him through future technical training requirements to advance his apprenticeship. This was a major and profound life changing event for him and I was happy to be part of it (and have a great new friend for life).
In my few short months I have helped a young women achieve her welding level C certification and who’s now planning to complete her apprenticeship in Australia (yes you can do that!); another reach full journeyperson status in her skilled trade and found her permanent employment; and just this week a young man started his Carpentry Level 1 training and in a few days hope to hear that another has achieved their Red Seal Inter-provincial certification as Machinist.
Consider that my full team has dozens of more examples like this…it’s a very rewarding part of my job…it’s truly awesome! How many people get to go to work every day and facilitate meaningful and tangible life changing events for others? Not many…and for this I am thankful.
If you or someone you know wants to start a career in a skilled trade have them visit the links provided in this post to learn more about STEP or contact me directly. I would be happy to have that discussion with them and assess the possibilities with STEP further.
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Lawrence Lewis
“Cheers to the freak-en weekend…ooh, let the Jameson sink in…don’t let the bastards get you down, turn that shit around with another round…I’ll drink to that.” – Rihanna
About Lawrence Lewis
I do a number of things professionally...but most of all and the true purpose of what I do through "my work" is to provide for my family, be a good husband and great father, and try to make a difference as a world citizen...I guess it's not much more complicated than that 🙂