A Second Career for Willy Primeau Video
BOARD [A Second Career for Willy Primeau
Brockville, Ontario]
SUPER [William “Willy” Primeau
Second Career student]
Willy Primeau: I was with Shorewood Packaging as my, I guess, walking papers said, 22.31 years. I worked as a gluer operator in the finishing department. They just kept laying off people in groups as your department shut down or wasn’t needed anymore. I mean your whole life changes drastically. As soon as we were told that the plant was going to be shut down and I was going to lose my job, I immediately went to the employment and education centre. I think you just have to realize that you’re not going to be here anymore and you have to move on.
SUPER [Les Picard
Employment Counselor, Employment Education Centre]
Les Picard: Second Career has a lot of funding available to people when they need it. They’re at a juncture in their lives where this really gives them a positive outlook toward the future and in the current economy that’s just a fabulous thing to be able to offer.
Willy Primeau: I’m going to school as a student at St. Lawrence College in Brockville. I’m taking the child and youth worker program and I get to accomplish a 3-year degree in 2 years.
SUPER [Graeme Aubert
Program coordinator, Child and Youth Worker Program]
Graeme Aubert: The students that come from Second Careers are usually older, wiser. Willy comes with some very good interpersonal skills. Plus he’s a parent. He sees in all the students a lot of different types of life experiences in the workforce and he also brings a lot of vibrancy and maturity to the class.
SUPER [Holden Primeau
Willy’s 15-year-old son]
Holden Primeau: I think it’s pretty awesome to think that someone at his age is able to go back to school and have a chance to get another job after working in a factory for 20 years. He’s got a lot more energy, his attitude has improved. He just seems a lot happier that he’s going to be able to do something that he’s always wanted to do.
Willy Primeau: Going into the child and youth worker program just seems to be a good fit for me. I’m really enjoying it. I’ve had the highest marks I’ve ever had in my life. It’s a great feeling. If there are people out there that are considering going into a second career, I think you have to take the time to do the research — I think that’s it. That’s the whole key is picking what is best for you and if you could pick what’s best for you, you’re going to be successful.
BOARD [For more information visit:
Ontario.ca/secondcareer]
[END]