“The chance to pursue my passion and support my family hit hard by COVID has been a game-changer. They’re really proud of me because now not only do I have a steady job, I’m a woman in the trades.”
Jahmeeka Hussey has come a long way in a short time. With a scholarship from the Central Ontario Building Trades Hammer Heads program, this 22-year-old plumbing apprentice is gaining new skills and steady employment.
Our funding for the Hammer Heads Program, and their goal of helping youth at risk from underserved neighbourhoods obtain rewarding full-time careers in construction, is part of our commitment to building a people-first future.
Learn more about Jahmeeka's journey. Watch her video here.
“Without this program, I would not have had as many open doors as I do now.”
As an indigenous student enrolled in Camosun College, Jonathan Su understands the unique challenges facing many First Nations youth, and how its Trades for Success program can change their lives.
“This program provides practical skills youth like me need to help overcome challenges and open doors. It’s about investing in future generations and helping build a better future for the planet and society.”
Learn more about Jonathan's journey. Watch his video here.
“I’m living a life I couldn’t imagine myself living before.”
For recent Hammer Heads program graduate Harley Horndl, the opportunity to pursue a career in construction trades isn’t just about hammering and using tools. It’s about creating something larger.
“Concert’s support really helped take me from a not so nice place and put me into somewhere where I’m embarking on a successful career and a promising future.”
Learn more about Harley's journey. Watch her video here.
“This funding allowed me to breathe a little bit and focus on living my life still while in school.”
By the time Rob Isaac graduated from BCIT’s Trades Discovery program in 2005, he had sampled many trades, choosing one thanks in part to our support. Today, he owns a successful plumbing company.
Our funding for BCIT’s Trades Discovery program helps students like Rob obtain rewarding full-time careers in construction. It’s part of our commitment to building a people-first future.
Learn more about Rob's journey. Watch his video here.
"I’m able to start post-grad life with a lot less debt than I had anticipated.”
With an engineering degree already in hand, Farrah Sheikh needed hands-on experience to enhance her practical skills. With our help, she graduated from George Brown College’s Construction Trades Techniques program.
“I now manage key design aspects of major projects around the GTA. Concert’s support has definitely helped validate the reasons why I went into engineering.”
Learn more about Farrah's story. Watch her video here.
“This program is helping me sling-shot myself forward into better opportunities.”
Isaiah Sanchez always wanted a career in the trades but didn’t know where to start. Responding to an ad on social media for Camosun College’s Trades for Success program launched his journey.
“I really enjoy the course. It’s fast-paced, the teachers are great, and the facilities are awesome. This program helps a lot of people like me who haven’t received the experience or training they need.”
Learn more about Isaiah's journey. Watch his video here.
“This funding showed me that I was important and somebody who had potential.”
When Laura Quilty first found the Trades Discovery program on BCIT’s website she was a single mother of two and struggling. After graduating, she went from being a sheet metal journeyman to a regional director managing major construction projects. She has even taught at BCIT, where her journey began.
“Concert’s support helped me purchase my first tool belt, hand tools and boots. Within six months I was working on a job site. The impact that this program has on people and their lives is huge.”
Learn more about Laura's journey. Watch her video here.
“Giving scholarships to students allows us to move forward in our studies and careers with confidence, finding what we want to do for the rest of our lives. This has had a big impact on my life.”
With our support, George Brown College graduate Janesh Sritharan soon became a project coordinator at a construction company, overseeing project schedules, budgets and onsite safety protocols.
Our funding for George Brown’s Construction Management program helps students like Janesh obtain rewarding full-time careers. It’s part of our commitment to building a people-first future.
Learn more about Janesh's journey. Watch his video here.
Giving Back to the Community
Our other areas of support include partnering with organizations supporting cancer research, alleviating poverty, hunger and homelessness, improving the lives of vulnerable youth and helping those living with disabilities, and many other important causes.
