TERRACE, B.C. — During a recent Discover Trades Camp, the Construction Foundation of BC and K5T, an employment and skills training system, recently sat down with Clarisa Spencer of the Kitselas First Nation to talk about her experiences, the challenges and wins she faced and her advice for young people who wish to pursue a career in the trades.
Spencer’s journey into carpentry was driven by practicality and a desire for independence, said a release, adding as a homeowner, she wanted to be self-sufficient and not rely on others for repairs.
In addition, she had a goal to build a new smokehouse for her father. She had no prior experience beyond high school woodworking classes.
“You don’t have to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life anymore. Life doesn’t work that way,” Spencer said in a statement. “You can do many things, and the trades open so many doors.”
Although trades are often overlooked in the western educational system, where the focus is typically on college degrees, trades offer practical, debt-free education that can lead to stable, well-paying jobs.
“You can actually get ahead instead of owing a significant amount for a degree,” she said. “After my first year, so many doors opened for me, it’s incredible how many paths you can take by starting a trade.”
Her career change brought numerous benefits: she no longer had to travel for work, allowing her to be home with her family every night, and she was able to show her children, especially her daughter, that it is possible to pursue new paths out of curiosity and find success.
One of Spencer’s passions is mentoring others in the trades. She aims to support individuals in overcoming barriers and reaching their goals.
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