Students explore a range of trades while improving their English and job-readiness skills.
When Zuhur Debasay arrived in Nanaimo in 2023 as a government-sponsored refugee fleeing war in East Africa, she never imagined she would soon be studying at Vancouver Island University (VIU) and eventually find full-time work as a professional baker.
With the help of the Trades Pathways for Newcomers program, that’s exactly what she accomplished.
“I always loved baking,” said Debasay, who is originally from Eritrea and lived in Sudan before coming to Canada. “Back home, I used to make pastries. I wanted to learn more and get a job in a bakery.”
Debasay learned about the Trades Pathways program through her case manager at the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society.
“She knew I loved baking,” Debasay said. “She told me about this program at VIU that could help me get started, even if I didn’t have a high school certificate here.”
Although she’d never finished high school, didn’t speak English as her first language and was nervous about studying again, Debasay joined the Trades Pathways program. During her studies, she improved her math and language skills, learned about Canadian workplace culture and prepared for entry into a full trades program.
“It was smooth and comfortable,” she said. “The instructors understood that many of us were new to Canada and made sure we were ready. If you’re a newcomer, I really recommend the program. It’s not too long, and it helps you build connections.”
With the support of Trades Pathways coordinator Darrell Harvey, she enrolled in VIU’s Professional Baking and Pastry Arts program and earned a scholarship to help cover her tuition.
“I learned so much,” Debasay said of the baking program. “The instructors were patient and kind.”
A highlight of her experience was helping to create the world’s largest Nanaimo Bar last spring.
After graduating this past June, Debasay was immediately hired full-time as a professional baker at Country Grocer in Nanaimo.
“I graduated on June 13, and I started work the very next day,” she said. “I work in the pastry section. I love making cookies, muffins and cakes.”
Harvey said Debasay’s story represents what the program is all about and the students who make the program meaningful.
“She came to every class, helped her peers and stayed focused on her goals,” he said. “Even when she faced challenges, she never gave up.”
The program is tuition-free thanks to provincial funding, which supports students to pursue training for in-demand careers.
Participants explore a range of the 20-plus trades programs offered at VIU, while also improving their English, math and job-readiness skills. Students can “shadow” classes in different trades to see which one fits them best. They receive help with applications, funding and support transitioning into their trades program.
Qian Zhou participated in the Trades Pathways program after arriving to Canada from China with child-care responsibilities and limited English. After shadowing VIU’s Carpentry program, she realized it was exactly what she wanted to do and successfully completed the program. She’s now working as a cabinetmaker.
“My future has become clear and hopeful,” she said.
Mostafa Mohseni, who came to Canada as a refugee from Afghanistan, said the Trades Pathways program helped him work towards and achieve his goal of becoming an electrician.
He explained that many newcomers want to study for a good career, but the process to get into trades training can be confusing and difficult. The Trades Pathways program makes the process smoother, so newcomers can get into their program of choice and be better prepared to succeed.
Mostafa recently completed the Electrician foundation program and is preparing to work in the industry.
Harvey said these success stories show how much impact the program can have.
“If you give people a chance and support them in a way that fits their needs, they’ll find their path.”
Applications are now open for the January intake of the Trades Pathways for Newcomers program. For more information or to apply, contact Darrell.Harvey@viu.ca
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