Words Heidi Hackman, District Career Coordinators, SD 63
Photo Sarah Hartley Photography
There’s an African proverb that says: “It takes a village to raise a child.” For Jordan Etele, that village has included family, teachers, mentors who championed his success and guided him along the way and programs that allowed for Jordan’s intuitive learning style to shine through. At the heart of it all is his mom, Christine – his biggest cheerleader and advocate, who supported his learning needs while holding him accountable.
In 2021, the Saanich School District partnered with the non-profit Take a Hike Foundation to launch a program where students could thrive by “engaging in social emotional learning and personal reflection.” Jordan joined the second cohort at the beginning of his Grade 10 year. As a hands-on learner Jordan was able to strengthen his social skills and learn “the importance of inclusivity – we’re all learning at different speeds, and it’s not about comparing myself to others. I enjoyed the out days and the independence.”
Jordan then returned to Stelly’s and started working at Home Hardware in Saanichton. By registering for work experience, he was able to earn credit towards graduation. He was also working with Richard Littlejohn, a family friend, at Farmer Construction’s Warehouse. After a year at Stelly’s, Stephanie Glube, Jordan’s IST (Integrated Support Teacher) knew he was going to need a different path to earn the last few credits needed for graduation. Stephanie said: “There is a spark that Jordan gets in his eye when he is excited about learning. He absolutely beamed when talking about the work he was doing with Richard at Farmer and wanted to become a carpenter. Richard was able to have him back at the warehouse and said “Our team is excited to start to mold him into the Carpenter we think he will be.”
That’s when Jordan was signed as a youth apprentice with Farmer Construction, starting as a Construction Craft Worker. A Construction Craft Worker is a labourer who moves materials and sets up and takes down materials at job sites. This opportunity not only earned him the credits he needed for graduation, but also allowed him to develop the hands-on skills and job-site awareness needed to be on a construction site. The mentorship that the group at Farmer provided Jordan has been essential to his success. Christine said: “Jordan has been fortunate to work with some great mentors at Farmer Construction who encourage accountability, strong work ethic and safety.
After proving himself at the warehouse, Jordan advanced to a construction site and is now working as a carpentry apprentice.
Jordan’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity and the power of a supportive community. It truly takes a village – and Jordan’s village helped him build a future he’s proud of.
For more information on Saanich School District Career programs and the Youth Work in Trades program please contact Heidi Hackman at hhackman@saanichschools.ca.
