Working in Prince Edward Island with little education, I relied on part-time seasonal jobs for work.When I became a husband and father, my career-path changed.This is the story of how improving my Essential Skills has led to a better future for my family.
From counting cars to making pre-cast concrete, I have had a variety of jobs. None of them led to a permanent position.After I married, I decided to improve my Essential Skills in the hopes of finding higher paying, permanent work.
Continuous learning has played an important role in my career development. I was not keen on formal education when I was younger. As an adult, I see it as a personal investment. I decided to go back to school to improve my numeracy skills.To earn my Grade 12 math and physics credits, I had to start at a Grade 7 level.With perseverance, I earned the credits.
Following this success, I spent two years earning all of the prerequisites
needed for a construction technology program offered at a local college. I completed
the program and became a site foreperson for the city.
My job requires strong document use skills. I transfer information gathered
on the field during sewer and water maintenance or repairs onto a master drawing.This
keeps the city aware of the state of its water and sewer systems.
I continue to improve my skills in courses such as a Workplace Hazardous Materials course.The city requires all permanent full-time water and sewer employees to have a high school diploma. My goal is to earn my Grade 12 high school equivalency through the General Educational Development program. I plan to continue my skills development so that I can obtain a permanent job and better support my family.