My name is Sherry, I am a former student of Canadian Vocational Training Centre. I was at a crossroads in my life where I knew that I had to make a change in my career. I had a terrible horse accident years ago and suffered a back injury. I continued working as a labourer and learned how to work through the pain, but as the years went by my injury only got worse. After many years of doctors, physio, and seeing a neuro surgeon multiple times, I had surgery. I now have rods and screws in my back. Although I now have less pain, I can no longer continue in the labour-intensive work that I had done for over 12 years. I loved my job. I am a very driven person and I have a strong work ethic, it was devastating to me to come to the realization that I could no longer continue in the field of work that I took so much pride in.
I was not working full hours, and I was in an emotional state when I decided to go to Kopar Administration. I was appointed a job coach and, apprehensively, told her my story. It was the first step in helping me to discover my new career path. I was introduced to the idea of going back to school for training. Training in which I never thought of myself doing, office work. My training was approved with funding to start at Canadian Vocational Training Centre in the Office Administration + Bookkeeping program. It took a little while for me to wrap my head around doing office work, but I started my classes with an open mind and a determination to do my best and learn the skills needed for my future career. Though I did not set high expectations on myself for grades with honors, as I felt that I was not ‘academically smart,’ I am proud of my accomplishments and received Honors in Sage, and the Office Assistant Program. I can now say that I have skills. The OA + Bookkeeping courses that I have taken, have given me a vast new outlook that gives me the potential to work in almost any kind of office.
The instructors and staff at CVTC are wonderful. I learned that intelligent people do not just fit in a tidy little box, but we are all intelligent, and just have different ways of learning. I was treated with respect. The education I received exceeded my expectations. Chris, CVTC Executive Assistant, is always very welcoming and adds to the comfortable atmosphere. The faculty are a very positive, encouraging and helpful group of people. They have empowered me to believe in myself, set goals and follow through.
I have received invaluable support in my employment search. At CVTC they do not just send you on your way when your courses are complete, they offer their help and support even after you’ve finished. My success is their success. I would like to thank Cal, Lisa, Char, Ruth, Penelope, Patti, Wanda G., and Kevin for all their instruction, encouragement and friendship during my time at CVTC. Without all of you, I would not have the confidence to find a fulfilling office position with my new earned skills.
Sherry,
Graduate, January 2019
