Skilled Training

“Before connecting with BOLT, I was working night shifts at a grocery store. I wanted to make a change in my line of work, but I didn’t know where to start. I knew I was interested in becoming a Plumber, but it was extremely difficult to find a way into the industry. Every email I sent out to plumbing employers was never returned.

BOLT’s Job Shadowing program gave me an opportunity to see several different trades and what type of work is done on site. BOLT gave me an opportunity to develop myself, my skills, and my life as a whole. My life has changed tremendously for the better and I have opportunities to learn new things everyday. Because of BOLT I was able to establish a career in the trades and start my plumbing apprenticeship with a great company. Now, I’m also enrolled in the Gas Technician 3 course so that I can obtain my gas license.”

“Since my late teens, I’ve been completely on my own. I’ve always had more than one job just to make ends meet and have food on my table and my bills and rent paid. I was in a dark place where I felt like I would never be enough for this world.

Since the Hammer Heads program, I have a new view of myself – I have confidence and I’m smiling again on a daily basis. Money is no longer an issue which takes A LOT of stress and depression out of my life. It’s amazing to wake up or go to bed not worrying about if I’ll be able to eat for that week or not. No one should ever have to go through that. I am extremely thankful that they realized my worth when no one else did. Every day that I get up, I look forward to going to work in this uplifting, inspiring, and EMPOWERING trade.

For anyone thinking about a career in construction, know that construction isn’t a walk in the park but it’s a walk worth taking! If you enjoy the construction environment, get yourself out there and don’t sell yourself short! Get those hands dirty and show the world what you have in store for it!!”

“It has been about a year since receiving the BOLT Financial Award and my life and career have changed for the better. BOLT not only provided me with the financial resources to successfully focus and complete the school year, but also provided me with the opportunity to start my career in the construction industry.

Before the BOLT program, life as a student was quite difficult, especially when balancing between work and full time studies. There were certain moments when finishing the school year seemed impossible. The scholarship allowed me to take some time off work and give full attention to my studies. As a result of that, I achieved two honours awards at my school within two semesters. This is an achievement that would not have been possible without the scholarship.

My advice to any youth thinking about choosing a career in construction is to go for it. Go for it and learn as much as you can. From my experience, I’ve learned that so much more goes into construction than what we physically see. Every day on site or even working behind the scenes is an opportunity to learn something new and not many careers can offer that same experience.”