Words Heidi Hackman, District Career Coordinators, SD 63
Photo Sarah Hartley Photography
Lily Macintyre knows she is a kinesthetic learner, and thrives in courses where she can be active and work with her hands. The STAC (Skills, Training Apprenticeship Carpentry) program was the perfect place for her to develop her woodworking skills and explore whether a career in the industry was the right fit.
The STAC program allows students to work in industry two days a week as youth apprentices. By combining hands-on experience with theory and technical training, students gain real-world insight alongside industry expectations – one of the key reasons the program is so successful.
Being the only female student in the program hasn’t been a barrier for Lily. “I have found that those in the industry have been very supportive,” she explains. “I really value the connections I can build with others, because in construction you’re always working with someone who is either willing to teach or eager to learn. I also like seeing how my hard work pays off. If I build a deck, for example, I love seeing the joy of people using something I created.” She adds: “I am excited to be working with more women in the trades in the future.”
Lily is now working with All Points Construction, where she helps build boathouses and docks. “My wonderful employer, Mike, has taught me a lot of skills on the job site,” she says. Her parents agree, saying: “She has made great connections in the industry and has learned a tremendous amount in her first year after completing the STAC program.”
Before joining the STAC program, however, Lily’s journey was shaped by her woodworking teacher, Tim Lockhart. Tech Ed (shop) teachers play a pivotal role in guiding students toward careers in the trades, often serving as their first point of exposure. Whether it’s metalwork, automotive or carpentry, these teachers are often the first to recognize a student’s potential.
Lily was one such student. Tim saw her potential early on and strongly encouraged her to apply to the district’s STAC carpentry program in Grade 12. Having taught her in Woodwork 10 and 11, he recognized her strong work ethic and determined attitude, and knew she would thrive both in the program and in the industry. He was right. Lily has completed her Youth Work in Trades program this year and will be eligible to apply for the redesigned Youth Work in Trade Scholarship this September.
Readers may notice the shift in terminology from “award” to “scholarship.” While the eligibility criteria remain the same – completing four Youth Work in Trades courses and logging 900 hours – the funding is now structured differently. Instead of receiving a $1,000 cheque, students apply for a $1,000 scholarship, which they have up to three years to use toward tuition for the next level of their education.
This change is intended to encourage students to continue their training in their chosen trade.
We are so proud of Lily and look forward to seeing where her carpentry career goes, who knows maybe she will become a woodshop teacher one day.
For more information on Saanich School District Career programs and the Youth Work in Trades program please contact Heidi Hackman at hhackman@saanichschools.ca.
