Growing up, Elizebeth-Anne Robinson shared her time between Prince Rupert and Terrace. Now, at the age of 24, she calls Prince George her home. While Elizebeth always strived to be the best employee for her employers, she felt unfulfilled and was left searching for something more.
While browsing Facebook one day, she came across an advertisement for the Skilled Labourer program at CNC. With nothing to lose, Elizebeth decided to apply.
“It sounded interesting and I didn’t know what I wanted to do, or what doors to open,” she said.
The Skilled Labourer program is a full-time, ten-week program that introduces and prepares young adults ages 18-24 for a variety of roles in the construction and manufacturing industries. This program includes occupational skills in carpentry and construction, industry certifications like Confined Space, Rigging and Lifting, WHMIS etc., job placement and/or practicum experience, as well as an essential skills component and job readiness training.
The program was a whole new experience for Elizabeth who, out all the courses and certifications in the Skilled Labourer program, had only taken First Aid before.
“The instructors are so full of knowledge and ensured all the teaching methods were used through lecture, visual, and hands-on, and that made it easy to grasp all the new material,” she said.
In the Job Readiness course, Elizebeth strengthened her job applications skills, learned how to properly apply for positions, created a strong resume, and learned how to follow up with potential employers. In the end, she was awarded a funded seat to a Trades Foundation program at CNC where Welder Foundation was her first choice. After completing her Red Seal certification, Elizebeth hopes her new career will take her beyond the borders of British Columbia.
“I didn’t expect to be the best candidate,” Elizebeth said. “I surprised myself with how well I’ve done.”
Currently Elizebeth is finding balance between work and school by keeping a positive attitude and using coffee breaks to fit in studying. The Skilled Labourer program has opened doors for Elizebeth and she recommends it to others, especially if they’re interested in the trades and need the tickets and certifications to get ahead.