Success stories: Keiran
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Success stories: Keiran - Transcript
Keiran Hodges, Apprentice, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
I really enjoy refrigeration. It's something new almost everyday.
You can get into a lot of different areas. And by seeing all those areas, you're able to specialize in the things that interest you the most.
My dad actually owns the company I work for.
In high school, I was getting diploma credits for going to work. Those hours I worked got put towards my first year of schooling so I was already ahead of the game, and when I was done school I became a first year apprentice.
I'm 5 hours from the nearest training centre and it's only a 2 months program so finding places to live, travel, so the Apprenticeship Grants helps tremendously.
It all starts with young people and apprenticeships.
Keiran’s story: Air Conditioning
Keiran is one of the thousands of young Canadians who have benefited from the Government of Canada’s Apprenticeship Grants.
In fact, 20 year old Keiran took home the gold medal for Alberta and was national silver medallist in air conditioning at the 2014 Canadian National Skills Competition, an opportunity that gave him valuable experience on his way to becoming a journeyperson.
To help him through his apprenticeship, Keiran was able to take advantage of the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year for registered apprentices who successfully complete their first and/or second year/level (or equivalent) of an apprenticeship program in a designated Red Seal trade.
Keiran says, “The apprenticeship grants are really important, they can help you out big time. I know for me, I’m 5 hours from the nearest training centre and the cost of living is just crazy… especially for trade students because (refrigeration) is only a two month program. Finding places to live, travel, any grants we can get definitely help tremendously.”
Once he has completed his apprenticeship training and gets his ticket, Keiran plans to apply for the Apprenticeship Completion Grant too. It is a $2,000 taxable cash grant for registered apprentices who successfully complete their apprenticeship training and obtain journeyperson certification in a designated Red Seal trade. Registered apprentices who complete their apprenticeship training and become certified in a designated Red Seal trade can receive up to $4,000 from both grants.
Keiran’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning mentor Dave McCutcheon agrees. “It’s very important for young people to get exposed to the different trades. Fundamentally, it’s a great career. Trades pay well, they require a great level of intelligence and skill to be competitive, and they are generally a fun way to make a living.”
For more information on Apprentice Incentive and Completion Grants, as well as the new Canada Apprentice Loan available in January 2015, visit Canada.ca/Apprentice.
Learn more about support for apprentices
Find more videos on the ESDC YouTube about apprenticeship training and skills support from the Government of Canada.
Visit Support for apprentices for information on more programs available to help apprentices complete their training and for employers to hire and train apprentices.
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