I am from Kehewin Cree Nation. I found out about program in May 2018 from a friend who used to work at Trade Winds. I was a stay-at-home parent but worked with my brother when I was able too. I was motivated by my sons and my dad [to join Trade Winds]. Most of my family are carpenters. I used to labour for my older brother who is a Journeyman Carpenter contractor and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.
I gained a lot of confidence in myself to become a journeyman carpenter. It was like as soon as I took my first step with enrolling with the program and being accepted that I knew nothing was going to stop me from getting the career I wanted.
I faced many obstacles. My father had passed away while I was attending the program and I took time for myself to grieve. I was able to come back to the programs next intake. I was an alcoholic and I quit drinking days before the next intake, and I have been sober since. 637 days as of this writing.
I would do it all over again in a heartbeat, I wish I [had] started this program sooner. I would encourage anyone who wants a career in the trades to attend Trade Winds ASAP. Many of my family and friends saw that I attended this program and they [have] also attended.
This program has completely changed my life. I made choices to get myself to where I am today, and it all started with the help of Trade Winds. This experience has got me a full-time job at Stanley Construction, and I am on my way to becoming a journeyman carpenter.
I told myself I was going to complete the program. Life threw many obstacles in my way but there is nothing that would keep me from finishing. Follow your dreams and believe in yourself.