Kesa Van Osch

Kesa Van Osch is Red Seal Carpenter currently training as a Foreman and Safety Officer. She primarily works on Central Vancouver Island where her and her family live on a small acreage. She enjoys hiking, biking, and spending time with her sister.

 

What training or jobs did you complete previously that led to this career?

I did one year of University in Horticulture studies, which did not suite me. I took some time off and worked at Starbucks while I figured out what I wanted to do. I attended a Career show in Nanaimo where I was introduced to and later joined the 16-week Trades Discovery program at BCIT. I joined the program and got hands on experience with 10-12 different trades. At that point I knew I wanted to get into Carpentry because you experience all aspects of a building job.

 

What inspires you about working in a Trade?

Carpentry drew me in because it is a rewarding career for me because you learn everything on a job from window installation to landscaping which provides a variety of skills. Finally, you work different environments, meet awesome people and you can build the life you want to build.

 

What advice would you give trades students looking to build their own career?

 Women going into the trades wasn’t talked about when I was in high school, I would encourage everyone to at least try a trade. The best part of the job for me is the final product; there is always a completed project that you helped to build and that’s cool. When you do it yourself you get the pride in it. When you start, you will have to learn, listen and watch; you will get the entry level jobs to begin with, but then you work your way up to the “fun stuff”.