Niels Bye-Jensen, President, DAN JEN MECHANICAL

“You are providing a valuable service to new workers, our company, and our industry. Since we first started getting referrals from you for new plumbing candidates in 2020, we have a number of them that are now completing their training and will be receiving their Red Seal Plumber Certifications. Although not all referrals have continued their training or employment with us, we are glad to have those that have continued with us.

We look forward to providing future opportunities to the eager candidates that you refer to us, when we can.”

JACK YULE-SMITH, Electrician Apprentice, Betts Electric

“Before joining STEP, I had recently completed the Electrical Foundation program at BCIT and was eager to begin my career as an electrician. However, I faced challenges finding job opportunities (due to no prior experience in the trade or construction) that aligned with my training and lacked direct connections to employers in the electrical field. I was looking for support with networking, resume building, and guidance to help me secure my first position in the industry.

STEP provided invaluable support by helping me tailor my resume to highlight my training and skills from the BCIT program. My REPS also connected me with employers who actively hire entry-level electricians. They gave me advice on how to present myself as a strong candidate and build confidence throughout the hiring process.

STEP helped me secure my first position as an electrical apprentice with a reputable company and acquire the tools and training I needed for the position. I’m now gaining hands-on experience in the field and working to complete my apprenticeship. Things are going great, and I feel confident that I’m on the right path to achieving my career goals.

What stood out to me about STEP was the personalized approach. My REPS took the time to understand my unique situation and aspirations. They genuinely cared about helping me succeed and encouraged me every step of the way.

NAVJOT SINGH, Plumber Apprentice

“I was trying to find a job after completing my foundation program, but I wasn’t sure if I would find one. I had some experience in construction and had applied to different companies online, but never got any responses. I was a bit nervous about finding a job in the plumbing trade.

STEP helped me with many different things. Sharon from STEP connected with me and helped improve my resume and gave me a list of companies where I could apply. She also helped me financially because after I completed my studies from college, I did not have enough funds to buy the required equipment for my trade. She also gave me the courage and inspiration that I would find a job.

I found a job as an apprentice with Radian Mechanical and STEP played a big role in helping me make that connection. I’ve been working as an apprentice for almost 3 months now and everything is going great.

I’m very thankful for everything that STEP has done for me. I would definitely recommend STEP to others because they are the best at what they do.”

KIRSTEN BROOKS, Apprentice Plumber

“Before the program, I was embarking on a big career change from retail management into the trades. I was completely new to the trades, and after completing a plumbing foundation course I needed some help with my resume, buying tools and navigating the new job world.

With amazing guidance from Noel, I was able to create a great resume and find a job right away. I learnt what I needed to make my resume stand out and what employers in the trades are looking for. I’m a month into my new career and Noel has remained in regular contact with words of guidance and encouragement.

I entered the program wanting to find a great new job to kick-start my new career and now have the support and guidance I needed to do that. I was able to achieve exactly what I set out to and I’m really happy in my new career.”

APRIL

“I would like to take the time to personally thank Sharon Miller at STEP for the amazing support that was provided to me in such a short amount of time. Sharon contacted me late on a Friday afternoon, and within 3 business days met me for an intake, secured seats for me in two important training sessions days later, worked on improving my resume with me, supported me with securing an apprenticeship at an incredible electrical company, purchased and arranged pickup and delivery of my tools, and even met me at a local business to offer support with more tools needed.

I have completed the first week at my job and am the happiest I have been in years. I feel so blessed and grateful to Sharon for reaching out to me when she did, and feeling motivated to fit me into her schedule as soon as she could to support me each and every single day, before, during, and after her work hours.

Sharon has a reputation within local companies that is admirable, and due to her quick actions and those important relationships, the company I am working for trusted her judgement and allowed me to come in for an interview early in the morning, unscheduled. That is something that is hard to find, and I am very thankful and appreciative for that connection.

I have never in my life received such incredibly kind and valuable support. I had spent weeks cold calling companies, handing out resumes, walking into business’, and trying to find financial support through other local programs, to no avail. I know for a fact that if it was not for Sharon and STEP, I would not be where I am right now.

During a time in which I was beginning to feel hopeless, Sharon completely lifted my spirits, was kind with her words, saw something in me, and motivated me to keep going with her support. Not only was Sharon professional, but personally, Sharon has a calmness about her that allowed me to feel at ease and trust her with the support she was offering. I knew that no matter what, she would try her absolute best to work with me and give me her all. I hope to always remain in contact with Sharon, and will happily continue to tell my story to anyone that will listen, with a big part of that, involving both Sharon and STEP.

Thank you so much for your support. I am forever grateful.”

DEREK WARD, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Apprentice, Douglas Lake Equipment

“I was looking for a job in the heavy-duty mechanical trade. The STEP program helped me with my resume, tools, and so much more. I am forever grateful for this program. My REPS Teresa was so helpful every step of the way. She made sure I had everything I needed to start working in my trade. I would absolutely recommend STEP; it’s a great program and I highly recommend Teresa German.”

ROSS RAYBURN, Electrical Helper, Maven Electrical

“I’m 26 years old and have always been interested in the trades for employment. I didn’t know where to start and what I would need to succeed since I had zero experience. STEP helped by providing me with the tools and training I needed to get my foot in the door and start working. Dave was excellent and communicative with me. He set me up with training that definitely helped with my employment search.

I found employment within the electrical trade and have been working full-time since early October. Things are going well and I’m learning skills that I will carry with me into the future of my career.

I would definitely recommend STEP and have already to many of my friends and past coworkers.”