Q&A | STEP Employer IGN Systems • STEP - Skilled Trades Employment Program

Based out of Mission, British Columbia, STEP employer IGN Systems has been engineering aluminum railing systems for over 10 years. IGN Systems owner Max Iquatiuk welcomed us into his shop to chat with him and STEP participant/IGN Systems welder, Crystine.

How would you describe IGN Systems as an employer?

MI: “It’s a small company. We’re all like a family here. Everybody knows what they’re doing and everybody is pursuing the same goal. Everybody is up to the task.”

How has the Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP) helped IGN Systems?

MI: “I’d say [STEP] provides of a higher level of labour. Their participants are more prepared and know what to expect. We know what to expect from them. They can blend right in, you don’t have to micro-manage and they’re ready to go.”

How long has IGN Systems been working with STEP?

“We were introduced to the STEP program about five to six years ago and since then it has been a great experience. They provide very good candidates who fit right into the job place and it requires minimal training and minimal check-ins to get them to blend in and start working.”

Would you recommend STEP to other employers?

MI: “Yes – as I mentioned before, STEP provides reassurance that you’ll have the best trades you can get in the market.”

STEP employer Max Iquatiuk with employee and welder Crystine

(Left to right) STEP employer & IGN Systems owner, Max Iquatiuk with STEP participant & IGN Systems welder, Crystine.