At NVRC, our vision is for everyone to be inspired and supported to be active, creative and engaged with their community. This past spring, we were fortunate to have an experience that perfectly aligned with this vision, when we welcomed Wyatt, a CapU Education and Employment Access Certificate Program student, to join us for a six-week work experience practicum in our fitness centres. The practicum ended up being enriching for Wyatt, for us at NVRC, and for the community members who benefitted from Wyatt’s contributions to our programming. Read on to hear more about Wyatt’s experience.
CapU’s Education and Employment Access Certificate Program
The Education and Employment Access Certificate Program is a 30-week program at CapU. As program instructor Callum explains, “We focus on employability skills, but we also really try to individualize the program according to the student. Having that wide-open field of things that you could do, paths you could take for your career, it can be overwhelming. In addition, all of our students face barriers to the workplace to some degree. Figuring out what you want to do, what you want to study, in addition to sometimes facing barriers – that’s why the individual piece is so important. We work to understand what specific supports a student might need and support them in gaining the skills to succeed in their education or career goals.”
A work-experience practicum is a big part of the program. “We start with having the students think about their interest, strengths, values and goals,” says Callum. “We look at what the pathway may be to realize the goals they’ve identified. Then, we look for real, practical work experiences that they can use towards future employment and reach out to businesses and community organizations that might be a good fit.”
“The key thing with any practicum is that it must be meaningful work,” he adds. “We definitely rely on the community to help us provide our students with meaningful practicum experiences and mentorship in the workplace.”
“We see our students take on a wide range of practicums across many different disciplines. This past school year, for example, some of Wyatt’s classmates were working with North Shore Rescue, at Shoppers Drug Mart and in IT.”
“In Wyatt’s case, we looked at a lot of different practicum options, and when NVRC offered a placement in the fitness centres, it was an excellent match for his interests and skill set,” reflects Callum. “He was able to showcase some of his strengths and his knowledge of fitness, and we definitely saw growth in him over the course of the practicum. Not every student’s practicum is as amazing a fit as Wyatt’s was, but that’s ok, too. It’s about self-discovery. Regardless, at the end of it, the student will know more about what they really want, what their values are, and what they are interested in pursuing.”
Wyatt’s experience in our fitness centres
“It made sense for me to work in the fitness environment because of my previous education,” Wyatt explains. “I’d already completed some of Infofit’s courses towards becoming a fitness leader under the BCRPA, the BC Recreation and Parks Association. I’m also a regular gym-goer,” he adds.
During his time at NVRC, Wyatt helped out in several of our fitness centres and had the opportunity to experience some of our health management and personal training programs, as well as support general fitness centre operations.
“At Karen Magnussen, I assisted with the SIRvivor Program – a fitness class for individuals with a prostate cancer diagnosis – and helped out with goalie fitness training for The Hawks, a local [elite-level] youth hockey team,” he explained.
“I also worked at the Parkgate and Delbrook fitness centres, shadowing staff when they were training clients.”
At all three rec centres, Wyatt helped with general tasks like doing safety checks and cleaning the machines, “because a clean and safe gym is a happy gym,” he shares – a mantra he learned on the job.
The CapU program places a high value on mentorship and the growth mindset, and instructors incorporate weekly feedback conversations into the curriculum.
“We gather feedback from the work site, and we take that feedback to the student for discussion each week,” explains Callum. “So, with Wyatt, for example, one of the things we talked about is that his hustle is so strong that he runs the risk of burning out! So, we talked about that, about managing energy over a longer shift, and what that might look like. And I think, you know, he’s a person who really takes the feedback to heart.”
Brian, Fitness Centre Supervisor at Karen Magnusen Community Recreation Centre, was one of Wyatt’s mentors during the practicum. He had great things to say about Wyatt’s efforts, especially his support of the SIRvivor program.
“SIRvivor BC is a specialized exercise program for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, in any stage of treatment or recovery and at any fitness level, ability and background,” explains Brian. “The program creates camaraderie and helps keep them exercising, which is beneficial for anyone going through cancer, whatever stage.”
“SIRvivor is basically a circuit-training program,” Wyatt adds. “We start with a dynamic warm-up, then do the circuit, usually with one station per muscle group. We might do a chest press with dumbbells at one station, squats or bicep curls at another. Then, we end with cardio, followed by stretching.”
“Wyatt was awesome, supporting the class,” says Brian. "He got to know some of the guys, the guys got to know him, and he fit right in! That was one of the programs I’m glad he was able to see – it’s dear to my heart.”
“He was pretty knowledgeable already. He knows about warm-ups, proper form, and how strength and conditioning works in terms of periodization and when to increase the weight,” Brian says. “And he has a martial arts background. So, he has the discipline, you know? He’s keen, he’s always on time.”
“In the SIRvivor class, he really got involved, answering participants’ questions and providing guidance on safe form and proper technique. I think that was a great experience for him – to have a chance to do that with members of the public. It was great to see how he was able to immerse himself in the class and help out. All the guys loved him.”
The value of mentorship
Brian found the mentorship experience a new but fulfilling one. “I’ve worked with volunteers before,” he said, “but Wyatt was our first practicum student to come in.” When asked if he had any advice on being a mentor, his focus was on getting to know the student and creating opportunities for independence in the role:
“I think the main thing is listening,” explains Brian. “So, when Wyatt first came in, we chatted, I got to know him a little bit and got a better understanding of his skill set, where he was at. From there, if you can create some independence for the student, I think that’s helpful and it’ll make them feel good as well, because it can be a big jump – coming in to this unknown environment and being immersed in it. For Wyatt, we started with some of the gym operations – filling up spray bottles, wiping things down, paying attention to what gym-goers are doing, watching out for safety… all the things you need to do to keep the fitness centre clean and running smoothly. And then I kind of let him hold the helm a little bit. I’d say, ‘I’ve got a meeting, I’ll be back in half an hour.’ And he’d stay there and keep an eye on things and answer questions. He was able to just run with it.”
Callum says that mentorship experience is invaluable for his students. “We’re always really grateful for any organization that’s willing to take on a practicum student and offer that opportunity. We really do rely on the community to provide that meaningful experience and mentorship, and Wyatt is a pristine example of the value of that mentorship and how much it matters. And you could tell that the staff at NVRC, they really provided Wyatt with not just a practicum, not just work experience, but true mentorship. I’m so grateful that NVRC could provide that opportunity for him.”
Wyatt saw that growth in himself as well. “I feel like my social skills; my communication skills have really improved since the start of the program… because I’ve been interacting with so many people through this entire school year and the practicum. I mean, it’s a miracle,” he adds with a laugh.
What’s next for Wyatt
Wyatt’s got a bright future ahead. “He’ll be fine whatever path he takes, whatever environment he’s in,” says Brian. “His attention to detail, his discipline. He’ll do great.”
His CapU instructor agrees. “I’m just really proud of him,” said Callum. “I had high expectations for Wyatt, and he exceeded them!”
We checked in with Wyatt about what his time with NVRC meant to him. “The entire experience was pretty special for me,” he said. “I definitely achieved one of my goals, which was self-discovery. I have a better idea of what I want to do.”
That said, he’s quick to add: “My path isn’t finalized yet – I mean, I’m still young, and I’m still making my decisions, but I have an easier time managing my way through that now.”
What’s next? “I’m hoping to continue down the fitness path, whether it’s weight training, or martial arts – that’s another area I have a strong interest in,” explains Wyatt. “I’m keeping my options open.”
When we last spoke, Wyatt’ was planning to continue his progress in this direction over the summer, working as a martial arts instructor and preparing to take the BCRPA’s Instructor Competency Evaluation, one of the final steps to become a registered fitness leader. He’s also passionate about making music and shares his own songs on Spotify and Apple Music.
He was so pleased with his practicum experience, he let us know he’d be interested in future employment opportunities with NVRC! “I really enjoyed the experience and working with you guys,” he said. “I’d be honored to work here in the future. The rec centres have been my favourite places to work so far, so having the chance to work here full-time, as a paid career, would be really cool.”
Thank you, Wyatt and CapU!
Thank you so much for your great work, Wyatt. You made meaningful contributions to the community through your practicum, and we appreciated your great attitude and drive. And who knows? Depending on where your career path takes you, maybe we’ll work together again!
Whatever your future holds, we wish you all the best as you continue your journey.