www.rcabc.org  l  25 FACES OF THE TRADE “I was doing some time and was offered training in the trade, so I put my name in,” said the 52-year-old Prince George native. “I wasn’t even thinking about roofing, but thought I would sign up and, after a week or two, I was told that I got in.” LePage said that he was surprised when he heard that he had been accepted into the program, considering the facility housed many individuals younger than he was. But with his age not a deterrent, LePage was excited to be able to partic- ipate, learn a skilled trade and secure himself a meaningful future. Inspired to move down a positive path, LePage and his group of 12 were bused to RCABC’s training facility each day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to partake in the Level One RDW training, designed for those working toward a career in commercial and/or residential roofing. Consisting mostly of in-class learning with some hands-on training, LePage was provided instruction in all aspects of roofing application, damp and waterproofing, as well as hands-on experience working with various roofing materials. Additionally, he learned safe working procedures, tools and equipment, torch safety, first aid, fall protection and WHMIS. “When you go to school, you still have to come out and do the job to get hands-on experience,” he said. “The training gave me the basic idea of what I was getting into, so I didn’t have to go in completely blind.” Your leading supplier of Dow Styrofoam™ in British Columbia. ∙ Commercial Roofing & Accessories ∙ Air & Vapour Barriers ∙ Waterproofing ∙ Metal Cladding ∙ CT Board ∙ ISO Insulation ∙ Tapered ISO & EPS Packages ∙ Roof repair & maintenance supplies ∙ Roofing tools & equipment The Professional Choice BrockWhite.ca "James has the ability to succeed in this trade because he wants to make it work. He has a good attitude and looks for oppotunities to fill his day." Dave Coleman, Director of Education and Training, RCABC