Words Heidi Hackman, District Career Coordinators, SD 63
Photo Wind Gypsy Photography
Students today face a wide range of post‑graduation choices – work, further education, travel or a gap year – and the possibilities can feel overwhelming. Hayden Evans’ journey through the trades is a powerful example of how getting an early start in high school can open doors to both meaningful work and future travel opportunities.
Hayden began in the district’s Trades Awareness Skills and Knowledge (TASK) program, where learning extended far beyond the traditional classroom. “It was a lot of fun to be outside my actual school doing things I really wanted to learn,” he shares. “I learned a lot of good life skills to be honest; I learned to work with people who had different skill sets and learned how to build a full‑size bathroom, including plumbing, electrical, framing, drywall and paint. I didn’t really see how it would help me but these things have come up in my recent jobs and it was a great benefit to have seen it before.”
The experience also helped Hayden discover a passion for welding. In Grade 12, he enrolled in the Welding Foundation Program at Camosun College, earning 28 graduation credits while having his tuition covered by the Saanich School District. “I loved everything about the course,” Hayden says. “It was right up my alley and I am glad I picked welding. I learned a lot of really good technical skills and had an incredible teacher to support me, Justin Chappell, which made it a lot easier. Just having a simple problem and someone there that knows the little thing to fix was a game changer.”
Following the program, Hayden transitioned into the Youth Work in Trades program, working at Titan Boats. “It was the best trades experience ever,” he says. “They were amazing at helping me grow my skills.” Now, in his new role with NorLand Inc., Hayden is excited to continue developing his trade while exploring opportunities to travel.
His advice to other students is simple: take the leap. “Just do it; it’s free and provides so much help to when you start looking for jobs no matter which course you take. People actually want to invest in you and see your progress in the trade and having this first year head start is a huge step into getting into the trades. Everyone I know that didn’t do these courses are a year or two behind me, just because they didn’t know if they wanted to do it or not. It is so worth it and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to do trades in high school.”
Hayden’s father, Nathan, has seen the impact firsthand. Programs like TASK, he says, “open students’ eyes to opportunities they didn’t even know existed. Whether they discover a passion or simply gain valuable skills, it’s a win.”
For more information on Saanich School District Career programs and the Youth Work in Trades program please contact Heidi Hackman at hhackman@saanichschools.ca.
