After deciding he wanted a change from his degree in Computer Science, Sim Brar decided to pursue training as an electrician. After he struggled to find work on his own, Sim got involved with BCCA’s Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP).  

“I had absolutely zero trades experience besides working on a farm as a kid but decided to make a change and go to Okanagan College for the Pre-Apprenticeship Level 1 Electrical program. When I graduated, I was facing the same issue of struggling to find a job even though I’d always heard about how trades is the way to go, and always in need of more apprentices. Luckily, STEP came by during the school year and got us familiar with them to start helping us with the job search. Through my own job searching efforts, all I’d heard was ‘It’s slow right now, reach out again in a few weeks/months’ or just nothing at all. I’m not sure if I’d have found a job if it wasn’t for STEP. ” 

Sim is still working with Finepoint Electric and continuing to build his career in the electrical trade. Since starting with the company, he has been sponsored as an apprentice and is now taking the next step in his apprenticeship. He registered to begin his Level 2 technical training on December 1.