June 27, 2024 (East Vancouver, BC) – The Construction Foundation of BC’s Skills Ready program made a visit to East End Boys Club (EEBC) to facilitate a trio of trades workshops in late June, introducing its youth to concrete planter, copper bracelet and aluminum ring bowl projects.
The workshops were a part of EEBC’s summer programming schedule. EEBC works primarily with marginalized youth between the ages of 13-19 and includes an alumni group that attend weekly meetings and provide mentorship. EEBC’s goal is to provide life-skills training, socio-emotional support, and post-secondary guidance to pursue higher education in both academic and trade skills.
Skills Ready director of project operations, René Ragetli, facilitated the three workshops over a two-day period, with 20 youth, aged 14-19, participating in the trades-focused projects held at Charles Tupper Secondary School in Vancouver. The workshops also included discussions about career and training options in the trades. A former participant in the Boys Club— now working as a plumber—returned to speak about his career path.
“The young men were engaged, appreciative and thankful,” noted Ragetli. “As the sessions progressed, some of them started to get excited and see new possibilities, their questions became more specific, and there was a great energy in the room. Following the final session, several of the group came forward, unasked, and helped me pack up and carry the materials to my van and thanked me for being there.”
The end of the workshops saw both Ragetli and EEBC’s youth leaving inspired about potential futures in trades.
“I feel very heartened knowing that there are people like Jimmy [Crescenzo, Founder, EEBC] and Wendy [Gilmour, former teacher, Vancouver School Board] who are doing really great work, inspiring and guiding our next generation,” concluded Ragetli.
For more information on the work being done by the Construction Foundation of BC and to donate, please visit www.constructionfoundation.ca.
