Okanagan College Media Release

As a young child Andrea Taylor could often be found building tree houses in the mountains behind her family’s home. Today the 29-year-old carpentry apprentice is fulfilling her level two training at Okanagan College after building a home in Revelstoke through the Residential Construction program.

“I’ve always been interested in building things,” said Taylor. “I love to work with my hands and after years of doing home reno projects poorly, I decided to get some training and that has led to the start of a really rewarding career.”

Taylor was one of nine students who built Revelstoke’s second Home for Learning project last year. The program pairs entry-level students with an instructor and general contractor who guide them through the process of building a home from the ground up.

After the home is complete it is put up for sale with the net proceeds returning to the Okanagan College Foundation to be used to cover the costs of supporting trades and apprenticeship training for the students involved in the project. The Project was made possible with support from community sponsors and project partners Jake Jay Holdings 2006 Ltd., and Vic Van Isle Construction LTD. 

Besides giving students practical, hands-on experience and financial assistance while pursuing their journeyperson status, the Residential Construction program prepares students for a variety of career opportunities.

“The program is good because you learn so much more than you would sitting in a classroom,” explained Taylor. “You learn to read plans and really work as part of a team. It’s neat to be able to drive by the home and say ‘I built that house.’”

After completing the Home for Learning, Taylor was hired immediately and has gained valuable experience in both residential and commercial carpentry. Despite the current economic slowdown she has many job opportunities for the spring and will try to find a specialty company to work for after she completes her level two training in a few weeks.

With Okanagan College now recruiting students for its third intake of Residential Construction in Revelstoke, Taylor offered advice for anyone considering making the decision to enroll in the program.

“The Residential Construction program is a good opportunity for people who are serious about the trade, interested in learning and are prepared to work hard. After the 30-week course you have the opportunity to be hired as a first-year carpenter apprentice as opposed to just a labourer. It’s that foot in the door--especially for women who might be interested in the trade.”

A number of new building projects in Revelstoke will add to the upcoming job opportunities for graduates of the program, explained Residential Construction Program Administrator Rob Kjarsgaard.

“Revelstoke is continuing to grow despite a regional slowdown,” said Kjarsgaard. “With two new high schools scheduled, a new ambulance station and affordable housing projects we are anticipating the need for trained carpenters to be great in the near future. Anyone wanting to get an edge in this industry should consider taking some training to prepare for the opportunities that exist.”   

For more information or to apply for the Residential Construction program that runs Feb. 23 – Aug. 21 in Revelstoke please contact Mary Kline 250-837-4235.