When Brittany was 17 years old she had high hopes for the future. She had graduated high school, was out on her own, and looking for a good job. But with no real training or work experience, that good job was hard to find.
At one point, she found herself out of work, out of food, and living with eight other people to make ends meet. Someone even stole her shoes.
That’s when she learned about the Phoenix Learning and Employment Centre (PLEC). Kilby at the centre helped Brittany get into a workplace training program. A month after completing it, Brittany gave birth to her son and with maternity EI, was able to stay home with him for a year and a half.
Then it was back to the challenge of finding a good job. “I was stressing out,” says Brittany. “I didn’t want a job that wouldn’t guarantee hours or pay enough to live on. Rent, childcare, living expenses, and everyday necessities are very high. Minimum wage is still low.”
Brittany knew it was time to go back to school again. This time, Kilby told her about the Women Unlimited program at NSCC. “I had to work hard to get into the program,” says Brittany. “The day I got the call that I was accepted, I was so happy. It’s a program for women only to explore the entire selection of trades and technologies that NSCC offers. [It] also guarantees a seat in the NSCC program of your choice.”
Brittany’s dad had been a mechanic, and she had a pretty good idea she wanted to be one, too. “I was three years old when I started handing him wrenches in the garage. I loved hearing his stories about how he fixed cars with his father. I started the program last September and loved every second of it,” she says.
“The thing that helped me the most at Phoenix was that people listened to me. They were patient and I felt understood. I knew I was determined but I still needed support and I got a lot of it. At the Learning and Employment Centre I got the base I needed to succeed at Women Unlimited. And that helped me get ready for the next step. I know I’m on the way to making the future I want for my son and me – to make the future I always believed I could.”
Now, just a little over a year later after Brittany’s time at PLEC began, she is well on her way. We are so pleased to share that Brittany has completed the auto mechanic program at NSCC, and has recently accepted a full-time job in her field! Seeing Brittany’s hard work and passion come to fruition is incredible.
It is stories like hers which inspire us every day. Thank you for investing in young lives like Brittany’s through your support. Together we are helping youth realize their dreams!
Read more success stories like Brittany’s online by viewing our 2016 Report to the Community.
