Manitoba career training is just a click or call away

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/07/2022 (885 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I am a heavy equipment operator and truck driver for Wayne’s Backhoe & Excavation located in Traverse Bay, Manitoba.

But it was not my first dream. When I was young, I wanted to be a heavy-duty welder. In high school, I majored in welding.

My dreams shifted the day my cousin threw me in a loader. I immediately thought “I want to do this!” I started doing small, odd, operating jobs locally. I then went on to acquire my HEO certifications at OETIM in 2016. While working as an equipment operator, I decided to challenge my Class 1 written test.

Once I passed, I jumped in the driver seat, with my licensed coworker beside me, and tried out the trucks for the first time. It was so exhilarating. At that moment I knew I wanted to get my Class 1 license. My grandpa, mother, brother, and boyfriend all have their Class 1 license, too.

To get assistance completing my license, I reached out to First Peoples Development Inc. They were looking for people interested in earning their Class 1 license.  I met all the qualifying criteria, and the construction season was coming to an end, so I asked myself, “Why not try? Let’s see what happens.”

I texted their number, and within five minutes, FPDI returned my call and set up my first interview. At this first interview I was introduced to representatives of the FPDI and First Class Training Centre teams.

I needed to complete two tests and was presented with a short briefing about their program. FPDI and First Class Training Centre partner to enroll students into the training course.

After a few weeks, I was told that I made it through to a second interview.

The second interview was more specific to me. The questions were more personal. I explained that my uncle, stepdad, and grandpa were a big part of why I pursued this field of work. Two weeks after my second interview, I received my letter of acceptance into the Class 1 Training Program. I was ecstatic!

My experience in the course was great. My instructor was awesome! He was very supportive and informative and had a great sense of humor. The rest of the staff were very friendly and made the experience that much better.

FPDI and First Class Training Centre didn’t give up on me. They continued to encourage me and give me all the support I needed to come out on top.

While I didn’t pass my road test the first time, FPDI and First Class Training Centre didn’t give up on me. They continued to encourage me and give me all the support I needed to come out on top.

When I passed my road test it was the greatest feeling in the world.  When I went to visit my grandpa to tell him the news, he was so proud of me, a moment I will never forget.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the staff at FPDI and First Class Training Centre. I would definitely recommend working with them!

This article is a personal account of a training experience with First Peoples Development Inc. and First Class Training Centre.