Skilled Trades Employment Program

Going through a career change can be a daunting task. Thankfully Susan at the STEP Okanagan district understands this very well and was there to help in the fullest capacity. She genuinely wants to help people succeed despite many odds stacked against people like me. I was very relieved to have her working hard on my case. She took the time to really get to know my needs and background and would operate off the clock to assist me in my successful job search to get a head start as a new apprentice. When current HVAC techs hear about STEP they all say the same thing, they wish they had the resources I had available to me. You would be doing yourself a great disservice by not engaging with people like Susan in STEP!

To describe this program in a single word: Amazing.The representative I worked with, Doug, was able to effortlessly get me a job in the skilled trades within a week of my first meeting with him. STEP provided me with all the gear and safety training I needed to get my foot in the door for carpentry work. Even after I got employed, Doug remained in constant contact to see how everything was doing and make sure everything was alright.My experience with STEP was nothing short of spectacular. I would recommend this program to anybody seeking a job or a chance to work in the trades.

Kyle from STEP was amazing, he helped me with my resume and practices different interview questions so I didn’t freeze up or give a poor answer. He even found a opening a company close to my house with a 10 minute commute! Not only did he do all that but the program also supplied me with a drill, an impact drill, knee pads, and drill bits. This program is by far the best way to get into the trades industry if you are you aren’t quite sure where to start, and could use help from people that have been in and around the industry for years.

Susan from STEP is awesome! The program is very helpful but it was Susan from STEP in the Okanagan who helped me get a meaningful job and enable me to be successful in my trade.Thanks Susan!!

All I can say about the STEP program is that they know what they’re doing. Having no trades experience at all, STEP not only helped me get a job but made sure I was ready to go. Between helping you build your resume, helping with the job search itself, and making sure you have all the tools for the job, the STEP program really offers everything you need to get your trades career started. It may even sound to good to be true, but I can say this is an opportunity you absolutely want to take advantage of.

Too good of an opportunity to pass up.I am a recent graduate of an electrical foundation program and was looking for an employer to start my apprenticeship with. Steps held a workshop for my class and offered their assistance to anyone looking for work.I was assigned an employment specialist named Kyle Maggs who spent 2 hours with me revising my resume (something which is in itself invaluable) and coaching me through the process of job hunting. 3 hours after our session, I received a phone call offering me a job by a great company that Kyle had forwarded my resume to. After meeting with the employer and accepting the job, Kyle then helped me pick out several hundred dollars worth of tools and equipment that I would need to start my job.Honestly the whole experience has been surreal. Its unbelievable that such a wonderful program like this exists. It's helping me in the time of my life where I need it the most, starting a new career. I would definitely recommend this program for anyone who is struggling to find employment. It is seriously an incredible resource for anyone searching for work in a skilled trade.

I was an electrical student who was nervous about finding work, especially without easy access to a vehicle. Thankfully, the guys at STEP are really good at finding places that are close to you to make the logistics of working life super easy. They help with resumes, teach you how to look for jobs on your own, and on top of all that provide contact with good companies that aren't normally available through the usual channels.You know how construction companies can be. When you're looking for or just getting into a job it can be a real toss up. Some companies aren't safe. Some companies will say they have jobs near you but don't give you the address until you've already agreed to work with them. You never quite know what you're getting, but the guy from STEP not only got me a job with a reputable company that's less than 5 blocks away from me, but they even paid for 2 Milwaukee drills, extra bits and a drywall saw. Better than I could have ever asked for.

STEP people will bring you to your first trade job faster and better than you could ever hope. Dave Croteau helped me so well to start my apprenticeship. In less than one week, they tailored my previous resume to the needs of my trade employers, Dave wisely helped me choose and financed all the tools I needed to start my apprenticeship, and he sent my resume to electrical companies that responded to me in less than a week.The final result is that I started my apprenticeship 2 weeks after I graduated, with the right tools from start, and in bonus I had the chance to attend two training certifications that will boost my employability in the future at no cost for me : Fall protection and Mobile Elevating Work Platforms.I can’t say enough about how this program is helpful to start an apprenticeship, especially for people who don’t know the area, or the trade, or have financial struggles. Thanks for everything to Dave and his incredible team.

I didn’t know about step until a representative named Doug came into our class and explained what step was all about. Later on once I finished the course I talked to him and he helped me write an outstanding resume, and find a job in my trade. To add to all of this I was also helped out with new tools that I received for free!! All in all Doug from step was super friendly and helped me start my career in the trades, I would definitely recommend going through step to anybody who is starting out in the trades.

Step is an incredible program for anyone looking to get into the trades. I wanted to become a plumber, and I wasn't entirely sure how I was supposed to start the process or get going on the apprenticeship. I contacted Step and they set me up with a representative who helped point me in the right direction and get the ball rolling! I have an incredible amount of appreciation for everything that Doug was able to provide and help me with. Thanks to Step and Doug in the lower mainland, I am now that much closer to my goal of journey WOMAN plumber! Highly recommended this program!