by Heidi Hackman & Colleen McNamee, District Career Coordinators, SD 63 | photo by Kathryn Alvarez Photography –
There is no stopping him. Brandon Little is a shining example of a student knowing what he wants and going for it, even if some of the adults in his life were a little nervous about his chosen path. In December of his Grade 12 year, Brandon went to the career centre and stated: “I want to do what my friend Jaxon is doing.” His friend Jaxon Duckworth was about to do the Youth Work in Trades Program as a plumber in his second semester where he would be earning credits towards graduation while working full time, and not being on campus. One problem for Brandon was that he had English 12 in second semester, which is a required course for graduation. In order to make this work, he would have to take English 12 online, through SIDES, while working full time … a challenging undertaking!
Another issue was that Brandon didn’t have a place of employment lined up to take him on as a youth apprentice. Not to be discouraged, he had another plan. He thought he wanted plumbing, but after meeting with Kevin Pivarnyik from UA Local 324 (Plumbing and PipeFitters Union) a discussion arose regarding on-the-job expectations. Brandon then decided to try sprinkler fitting and Kevin signed him up with Viking Fire Protection.
A plan was created in consultation with Brandon’s parents. Brandon’s dad was worried – “We were very nervous about Brandon leaving Stelly’s early to start this apprenticeship. Completing high school is very important for me and Sherry, and we were extremely scared that Brandon would not like the program after a few weeks and then he would be stuck and at risk of not completing high school. We also were very scared that Brandon would not complete his English 12 through SIDES on time to graduate.”
Mel Paas, principal of Stelly’s, had a suggestion and an observation that seemed to make everybody happy. “When Brandon sets a goal for himself, he has proven he can work quickly and diligently to achieve success.” To no one’s surprise, Brandon did exactly that! He signed up for English 12, dropped his second semester classes and got to work. He also registered at Camosun for his Level 1 not knowing when a spot would open up. In May he was informed he had a seat! This was the push Brandon needed to complete his English 12. He didn’t want to start his Camosun program before his English was completed. Brandon graduated this past June having completed the Level 1 program and his Youth Work in Trades program. He is currently taking his Level 2 program at Camosun.
Brandon’s dad Kevin was delighted and stated “this apprenticeship has been the best thing for Brandon. He is succeeding and thriving more than we imagined he could, so my advice to any other parent considering this approach is ‘do it!’ Brandon’s growth and maturity since starting this program has been incredible and Sherry and I believe that this was the best thing Brandon has ever done. We are so proud of him and all that he is achieving. He now has goals and a future plan and we can see how successful he is going to be.” Yes, when Brandon put his mind to it, there was nothing to stop him. Congratulations Brandon!
