A special graduation ceremony was held Tuesday night at Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek.
Nine students were recognized for completing the new Facilities Maintenance Program and for making a lasting impact in their community.
Colleen Burke was named the program’s best student. Over the past 18 weeks, she and her classmates trained for jobs in facility maintenance and related trades.
“I am so thankful for all the things that we got from the program. Even as we get our certificates, we are also handed brand new tools as well. I am blown away,” Burke said.
Students learned basic skills such as drywall repair, flooring and more. They also received industry-recognized safety certifications, including forklift operation and first aid.
“When I’m actually looking at job postings, it’s a totally different ball game compared to even a year ago,” Burke said.
At 42 years old, one of Burke’s goals was to make her four-year-old son, Asher, proud.
“There were many mornings when he told me, ‘Don’t go to school today, mama. I want you to stay home with me,’ and I was so tempted. But I think he’s quite proud.” she said.
The program was created after the Dawson Creek Native Housing Society asked Northern Lights College for support.
“Dawson creek native housing came to our board of trades and said, ‘We have this idea, and this need. Can you help us out?’” said Dr. Tara Hyland-Russel, the college’s Vice President of Academic and Research.
Students used what they learned in the classroom to improve home conditions for Native Housing.
Hyland-Russel said many homes were in disrepair and there were not enough people in town to do the work at a reasonable price.
The two organizations worked together to develop the program and found grant funding to offer the course at no cost.
Hyland-Russel said this is the kind of program that makes the difference for people who might be low income or might not be working.
“It gives people the skills and the opportunity and the confidence to get employment,” she said.
Neil Sneddon, the Vice President of Dawson Creek Native Housing, said the program opens doors for many members of the community.
“Once the doors are open, it’s up to us to move through them and see where they take us,” Sneddon said.
He said the students replaced 10 toilets, a garage roof, drywall and flooring in several houses, adding the work completed will allow tenants to live comfortably.
The Facilities Maintenance Program will be offered again in late February. Those interested have until February 2 to register on Northern Light College’s website.