For Ezat Haidary, a model-new software at Vancouver Island College (VIU) is presently acquiring a life-shifting influence.
Termed Trades Pathways for Newcomers, the program introduced in September and supports newcomers on the lookout for a occupation in the trades by ensuring they have the competencies, know-how and supports to effectively transition into the instructional programs that will get them there.
Ezat has a track record in carpentry and labored as a stability guard for the United Nations right before staying pressured to flee his property country following the Taliban’s return to energy in Afghanistan in 2021.
After acquiring direct threats to his relatives, Ezat fled to Pakistan with his spouse and two young children and lived there for a calendar year ahead of gaining refugee position in Canada. They all arrived in Nanaimo this earlier spring, exactly where he read about the VIU method.
“I was looking for this type of option, so of course I straight away claimed certainly,” he claims.
Pupils get the probability to shadow the unique trades offerings at VIU. Ezat resolved to shadow both of those the automotive and carpentry software. With his previous expertise and background, carpentry appeared like the great in good shape for him.
“The system makes me happy and I feel like my desires have come real,” he says of his encounter so considerably. “Everyone involved with the system has been truly type, supportive, and I do not know how to thank them all.”
For plan coordinator Darrell Harvey, tales like Ezat’s solidify the value of the Trades Pathways initiative.
“There are a ton of newcomers out there who have these capabilities, but haven’t been progressing in their careers since they have not been able to bridge into submit-secondary to re-educate,” claims Darrell. “We’re certainly assembly a have to have in the group and it’s been genuinely good.”
A qualifications in the field is not expected to be part of the software, as it weaves alongside one another career and trade-certain English language instruction alongside with math and other required place of work skills and information.
The software is tuition-free of charge many thanks to a $1-million provincial financial commitment and is a collaboration among VIU’s trades packages and the College of Tutorial and Career Planning. The 1st cohort wraps up just before Xmas and a new one particular starts in January.
“The college students are from a numerous vary of countries, numerous of them refugee newcomers,” states Darrell.
“These are not your normal pupils coming out of a superior university and heading into a trades software. Most of them are experienced learners with people, operate, childcare and other commitments that require to be accommodated if we want them to come to VIU, be thriving in the program and ultimately uncover do the job in their sector.”
Darrell suggests it’s heartening to see the welcoming and enthusiastic response to the Trades Pathways program from instructors.
And college students in the program like Ezat are previously observing added benefits of this aid, as he recently obtained his offer you of admission letter into VIU’s carpentry program, beginning in January.
“I was truly delighted and seriously hopeful when I obtained that letter,” he claims. “This is like a large ‘congratulations’ from VIU.”
Programs are now being recognized for the January Intake. If you are intrigued or would like extra facts, get hold of Darrell instantly at [email protected].