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FPDI program provides a supportive learning environment

Jordan Beach had a comfortable job working as a customer service representative for a large corporation, but there was something about the work that had him feeling unsatisfied.

“When I was doing the office job, it was pretty nice. But being inside all day was not for me. I prefer being outside and doing more physical work,” he says.

It was about the same time this past spring when Beach learned about the plumbing course offered through First People’s Development Inc. (FPDI) a non-profit organization that facilitates partnerships aimed at developing and delivering training-to-employment programs in partnership with 28 Manitoba First Nations communities.

FPDI’s plumbing program is offered in conjunction with the Piping Industry Technical College of Manitoba. It’s a 10-month program that teaches students about the latest plumbing industry techniques and tools and provides them with hands-on opportunities to learn everything from cutting and measuring pipe to installing valves, read
blueprints and interpret plumbing code. Tuition is free for qualifying applicants.

Beach, 26, learned about the program after seeing a post for it on Facebook and was immediately intrigued. He was accepted into the program a few weeks later and began his studies in early May.

“When I found out about the program I thought it was the perfect opportunity for me,” he recalls.

One of the things Beach quickly came to enjoy about the program was the level of support provided by the instructors and support staff at FPDI.

“I honestly looked forward to going (to class) every day. The instructor, Craig Gertley, made understanding certain things really easy. If you didn’t understand something, he would show you visual representations and explained everything in detail and made sure everyone was on the same page,” he says.

“And the people at FPDI like (program coordinator) Chelsea (Lavallee), she was very helpful and knowledgeable. If we ever needed help, we could always contact her and she would have answers. Everyone was so helpful. The support was on another level. I never felt like I was alone or I needed to do everything on my own.”

Beach proved to be a quick study. In August, a little more than three months after enrolling in FPDI’s plumbing program, he was hired by Randall Plumbing and Heating to begin a Level 1 apprenticeship as a steamfitter.

He is currently part of a crew tasked with transforming Machray Hall at the University of Manitoba into a state-of-the-art facility for the school’s Faculty of Science that will feature a new central atrium, informal reading areas and improved meeting rooms. The project is slated to be completed by late 2026.

One of Beach’s first jobs on the site was transferring cast iron pipe to the top floors of the building for a new drainage and waste system in the building. He’s carried out a multitude of tasks since then and he’s loving every minute of the experience.

“That’s the one thing I really enjoy about this field. Every two days, it’s a different task that we’re doing. It’s not like you’re doing the same thing day after day. You’re always learning something new. And a lot of the journeymen on the site are always friendly and willing to teach you. It’s a good environment to be around,” he says. Beach doubts any of what he is experiencing now would have been possible without the education and encouragement he received through FPDI’s plumbing program.

“It helped a lot,” he says.

“Just in the short time that I was there, they helped me to understand the basics and what was actually needed out in the field. I’m able to identify certain things, certain types of pipe and tools, and I know what tool to use for a job. There’s a lot of things that I would never have understood if I wasn’t in the program.”

Beach says his ultimate career goal is to complete his five years of apprenticeship training and become a journeyman plumber.

In the meantime, he has a few words of advice for anyone who may find themselves in the same position he was just a few months ago.

“If you look at this (program) and it looks like something you might want to do, go for it. I enjoyed every day at the school. It’s a very fun and knowledgeable program.”

Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future
FPDI proudly celebrates the achievements of our dedicated program participants and remains committed to creating opportunities that empower Indigenous peoples to build a brighter future, despite the lasting impacts of the past. On September 30, we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by wearing orange to honour the survivors, children, families, and communities impacted by the residential school system.

To learn more about our programs and initiatives, please visit www.fpdinc.ca.