Maurice Labrecque

My name is Maurice Labrecque, and I’m currently a student in Canadore College’s Literacy and Basic Skills/Academic Upgrading program in North Bay. My goal is to complete my upgrading and then enter a college postsecondary program in Business-Accounting so that I can re-enter the workforce as a business professional.

I was employed in the lumber industry in northern Ontario for 30 years in various labour jobs. For the final 16 of those 30 years, I worked as a lumber grader. The last company I worked for closed its doors in June 2006, due to the slowdown in the economy. After I was laid-off, I explored my options and applied to many different types of positions. I customized my resume to match what employers were looking for. I continued with this search on my own until June 2007 without success. I soon lost my confidence to the point that I no longer wanted to apply for jobs. Due to the changes in the work force and personal challenges, I realized that a career change was needed in order for me to be successful. But, to do this, I realized I had to retrain.

In June 2008, I applied for retraining through the Second Career program. I had to complete some labour market research to ensure that the business career I wanted to pursue would result in employment in the North Bay area. I was approved through Second Career to complete Academic Upgrading and then the Business-Accounting program. In September 2009 I started my journey by entering the upgrading program. In August 2010 my upgrading will be completed, so I have applied to Canadore College to enter the Business Accounting program in September 2010.

In the upgrading program, I have been studying mathematics, English, and computer applications. In addition to learning many skills, I have been able to gain my confidence back. When I first started the upgrading program, I was very nervous and unsure of myself because I had been out of school for 30 years. But very soon after I began my upgrading, I felt at ease. I was experiencing a great deal of success and getting some excellent grades.

I have also recently seen some of my fellow classmates complete their upgrading and move on to their college program. The instructors and counselors have been a major factor in my achievements, and those of my classmates, due to their support, expertise and guidance.

I strongly believe that Literacy and Basic Skills/Academic Upgrading programs are essential to help adults in Ontario to upgrade their skills and confidence in order to prepare for employment. These programs are of great benefit, and should continue to be funded in order to improve and strengthen Ontario’s workforce for the future.