LAUNCHER INTO TRADES cont.
CONTINUING SUPPORT BY FPDI WITH WOMAN-FOCUSED TRADE PROGRAM
BY JANINE LEGAL
“You won’t know if you don’t try.” Those were Bobbi Bruyere’s words, about a new opportunity she embraced and successfully accomplished. The graduate of First Peoples Development Inc’s (FPDI) inaugural Construction Craft Worker (Labourer) Program in partnership with the Manitoba Building Trades Institute and LiUNA Local 1258 feels good about the positive changes in her life. “Don’t be afraid to try new things. Don’t doubt yourself. Give yourself a chance. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it,” continued the 38-year- old from Sagkeeng First Nation, who also enjoys spending time with her aunties and the sister she recently reconnected with. She had just finished a women- in-trades program in her home community when she learned about the Construction Craft Worker Program and made the decision to move to Winnipeg. “I wanted more opportunities to do something. I figured there’d be more opportunities here,” Bruyere said. She was told she’d be a good fit for it and there was a student allowance which covered the costs of rent and food.
“I enjoyed it, really enjoyed it,” she said about the program that prepares students for work in the construction field. “Getting up at the same time every day Monday to Friday, having that routine of doing something, the hands-on learning and training, not just paperwork. We got to do actual training, like a cement pour. We learned about scaffolding and driving machines. I got my flag- person ticket. I like the hands-on. We had tests every week. Sometimes during the week we’d do hands- on and then back to the books.” Bruyere started on October 30th and finished February 20th this year. Three days later she was hired as a construction labourer for a job in Powerview. When that temporary position ended, she returned to Winnipeg and has since been hired by PCL. Through both the learning and employment Bruyere has remained grateful for the continuing support of FPDI. “They are still helping me. When I was doing the training program, they helped me with bus passes. I know that if I need help with anything like tools, if I need work boots, they’ll help me with that. They’re pretty good. I’m happy to be involved with them.”
Bobbi Bruyere. SUPPLIED PHOTO
12 CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
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