Another pair of students from Thompson River University’s Education and Skills Training Certificate program participated in a six-week practicum placement with the City’s Parks division this spring. The program combines classes and lab experiences with real-world work experiences for students experiencing barriers to employment.

Xavier Levy and Shinji Matthews enjoyed the practicum and excelled in their roles to the point that the City was able to formally hire them in summer student positions. Both students have been a great addition to our Mcarthur Island Parks crew helping to maintain our fields and green spaces.

Shinji shared that both the practicum and the summer job have been his “favourite of all time” and that he would like to do more of this type of work later in life. Xavier’s favourite part of the whole experience has been the people on the crew that he works with, and he hopes to come back to work for the City again when school is over.

“Shinji and Xavier are hard workers and make a significant contribution to our crew,” said Shawn Cook, the City’s Parks Operations Supervisor. “Participating in the Education and Skills Training practicum program as an employer has been a great way for the City to connect with students, build staff leadership skills, and foster a work culture that is more diverse and enriching.”

This is the second year that the City has been able to participate in the Education and Skills Training practicum placement program. The City and TRU have a memorandum of understanding first signed in August 2018 that serves as a guide to identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration.