After only two months of working for EMBERS, I received a phone call from a woman asking me if I'd be interested in participating in the BladeRunners program. BladeRunners is a unique program that encourages participants to discover and pursue their occupational interests. I spent the next four weeks elevating my knowledge of the trades, personal finances, and post-secondary options. I found the program incredibly helpful and the staff to be immensely supportive. I completed the program with 11 occupational tickets (such as WHMIS, forklift, fall protection, skid-steer), connections and opportunities I would not have had otherwise. It is thanks to EMBERS and BladeRunners that I now work full-time for PCL Construction and am able to go to school as a carpenter's apprentice.

At the end of it, I'm going to be a skilled worker. I’m going to have my tickets. I'm going to be sought after and I'm doing it with a company where I can work my way up, which is very exciting. I wouldn't have that opportunity without EMBERS pushing me forward and paying attention to what my needs are and where my skill set lies. EMBERS put me in places where I could have the opportunity to shine and have opportunities roll in. It's amazing. It's been really good for me.

EMBERS, and Lynne especially, have been incredibly helpful and have assisted me in taking big steps in my career.

I started out at EMBERS as most people do; struggling to get my foot in the door. But after a while I was able to obtain training and certifications through the Power of Work Program. Soon after receiving the CSO and OFA 3 certifications, I found steady and enjoyable work. Not long after, I was offered a full-time position at a very respectable company: EllisDon. I have EMBERS and the Power of Work to thank for that.

As a newcomer to Canada, I could not be more grateful for my experience with EMBERS. The program gave me available work experience and provided me with trainings to succeed in my field. Through the Power of Work Program, Lynne sponsored my ITA number and because of that support, I am now working as a first year apprentice and well on my way to becoming an electrician. In January, I will start my first year of BCIT classes with all my needed work-related hours completed. EMBERS has been a tremendous help in my life.

Once registered with EMBERS, I was given work immediately. After several weeks working consistently for EMBERS, I was introduced to the ‘Power of Work Program’ and offered employment training, which would qualify me for higher paying work with more responsibility. After completing the training, I was then given the opportunity to practice my new skill set and gain practical experience. The experience was vital because I encountered on-the-job problems which I had been trained for so I was able to handle and manage the mechanical problems when they arose. Also, and very importantly, I was given a 25% hourly wage increase working with my new skill set which made my ability to afford my monthly expenses and daily needs better. I am so lucky to have the Power of Work Program see the potential in me, support me and help me reach a better quality of life and work better with people.

I moved to Vancouver from Montreal three months ago. I was going nowhere in my life back home and I needed a real change so I sold everything I owned and jumped on a plane with a one-way ticket. After a two week class for my CSO ticket, I went to EMBERS to get some work. And I did find work. I found some very helpful people too, like Lynne, who are dedicated to the success of their clients. They put me through so many classes and I obtained so many tickets that helped me out a lot with my CSO career. The courses gave me the tools and confidence to do my job as a Safety Officer. I can always count on them to help me out with any problems I have. And I know they will continue doing so as long as I need them.

With the 10 tickets I have received through EMBERS, I was able to move up the scale towards better paying jobs. I now have my Class 7 Operator Certificate. Getting this ticket has made it possible to run any forklift or zoom boom and I get paid more per hour. Meeting EMBERS Staff has changed my whole life. I continue to work at EMBERS and have all my tickets and a place to call home. Without EMBERS, I would be on the streets, homeless and jobless. I personally thank and love all EMBERS staff for giving me the opportunity to better my life.

If you’re looking to get into trades or want some part time work, EMBERS is the place to go. The staff are very friendly and polite. EMBERS gave me the chance to try a new career and to help me develop my skills. They even offer in-house training for a variety of tickets. I highly recommend EMBERS to anyone who wants to test their hand in trades.