Newcomers Building New Life and Careers in The Skilled Trades
In the fall of 2022, the Welcome Exchange team welcomed a new team member, Daria Lysenko. Daria joined CFBC two months after her arrival in Canada from Ukraine. With a background in social services to displaced persons, she is a wonderful addition to our team. Through her determination and hard work, we have successfully provided […]
Building Inspirations for the skilled Trades with Indigenous Skills’ Build United Project
Dean Heron and our Indigenous Skills team have had a lot of fun introducing the Build United project to students of all levels and capabilities. Build United brings students of all cultural backgrounds and skill levels together to learn tool use and safety. Recently the team was in Semiahmoo Territory with two groups of grade […]
Former Chef Cooking Up Successful Electrical Career Thanks to WATT Program
“[Getting into electrical] was a bit of circumstance,” admitted Kurtis. “I was a chef for 11, 12 years. I loved doing what I did but I was getting a little tired of it, and then COVID happened—the whole industry got shut down and I lost my job permanently.” Kurtis’ decision to enter the trades industry […]
All Roads Catalysts Inspire Future Community Builders to chart their own courses into employment
Indigenous young people across British Columbia are making great strides in their personal and professional development with support from a team of committed and dedicated career development professionals. CFBC’s All Roads team is on a mission to hack old systems and create new pathways to employment for members of First Nations communities in BC. “Success is […]
Meaningful Employment Made Easier Thanks to Help from WATT Program
Individuals looking to enter the electrical trades have likely heard about the Workplace Alternative Trades Training program, more commonly referred to as WATT. The WATT program is the result of a collaboration between the Western Joint Electrical Training Society (Western JETS), IBEW Locals 230, 993 and 1003, and the Construction Foundation of British Columbia (CFBC). […]
Women In Trades students get their motors running at Konquer Custom Rods
November 7, 2022, Kelowna, B.C. – Women in Trades students from School District 23 and Okanagan College received a behind-the-scenes tour with Konquer Custom Rods and Motorcycles today. The Women in Trades programs, funded through the Industry Training Authority, offer women a supportive training environment where they can explore a variety of trades while also learning valuable […]
Education, Elders’ guidance, and a go-getter attitude are the foundations of Neela’s Success
Neela is an Ulkatcho and Secwepemc woman, carving her own path to success with a go-getter attitude, and vision for her future and full intention to reconnect with her culture. During her school days, she dropped into youth centres to connect with mentors, gain access to several supports and help her keep focused to achieve […]
Action planning the journey towards a secure future, Indigenous youth inspired by community.
Silas has experience volunteering with community events and has been inspired to carve a career path in security and safety. He says he isn’t interested in joining the RCMP but would like to work alongside them to support his community. He started out with a specific career goal in mind and is taking the necessary […]
FROM MENTORSHIP TO LEADERSHIP: community connections support success for youth in B.C.
Brody is currently working as a Captain in a Healing Village for youth aging out of care and enjoys playing badminton in his downtime. He describes himself as a bit of a workaholic, as he enjoys the work he does in the community. He takes inspiration from his peer groups and has found that surrounding […]
New machines. excited students and an intro to the world of manufacturing
Wesley Beavan is a Technology Education Instructor at a Richmond high school. After receiving some funding and new machinery through the BCMMAG Fund, he was inspired to organize a 4-week manufacturing summer camp to introduce a group of youth to the world of manufacturing, focusing on metal fabrication and manufacturing. Students in attendance were introduced […]