Rebecca Chenier
My Story
Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned and I found myself sitting in an employment center trying to find a career to support my family.
I asked the employment counsellor about a skilled trades flyer and he warned me that this was a dirty job that I may not enjoy.
Now I smile when I think back because I’m not your typical millwright apprentice.
My Power Shift
The pre-apprenticeship program allowed someone like me (no shop experience) to learn hands on. No other career opportunity allowed me to learn full time and get paid.
The teachers and staff were involved and helpful. They wanted to make sure we fully grasped concepts, terminology, and shop talk.
The work placement was an amazing environment to learn the fundamentals, and expand the skills of my trades with job security.
My Future
I have now completed my 3 year General Machinist apprenticeship and my Red Seal General Machinist Certification.
The Trades have given me financial independence, a home for my family and the opportunity to let others know about it.
I love being a role model to my daughters and showing them they can have a career they enjoy. Hopefully I can inspire more women to explore a career in the skilled trades!
