A future in skilled trades
Some people know they’ve found their passion in the skilled trades as soon as they pick up their first tool. But for Dekai, his journey to a trades career was uncertain at the beginning.
After graduating from high school, Dekai enrolled in NSCC’s Metal Fabrication program at Akerley Campus, admitting he didn’t fully understand what the program involved when he applied.
“I thought it was welding at first,” he laughs. “I knew Fred, Tominsin and a few others from a trades program I’d done before and they encouraged me to stick with it.”
That decision changed the course of his life.
Discovering skilled trades
Before coming to NSCC, Dekai participated in an Africadian Empowerment Academy (AEA) summer program where he explored several trades including carpentry, sheet metal, welding and metal fabrication. The experience sparked an interest in working with his hands and introduced him to AEA, Administrative Head, Tominsin Ayoola and instructor Fred Crawley, who would later become an important mentor.
“Fred was more than an instructor,” says Dekai. “He helped me with my resume, helped me in the shop and I could always call him if I needed advice. He was like an older brother to me.”
Having that support made all the difference as he navigated College and prepared for his career.
Finding his place
Dekai admits his first few days in the program were difficult.
“I honestly wasn’t sure if I wanted to be there,” he says. “The first day everyone was talking and excited, and I was standing by myself.” However, everything changed within the first week.
“It wasn’t long before we were all chatting together and my classmates made me feel like I was part of a team. Once I felt that, I wanted to keep going. It also helped that it was a program for all African Nova Scotians interested in the trades.”
His family also encouraged him to continue, reminding him that the opportunity was worth pursuing – even on days when it felt challenging.
Building confidence
For Dekai, NSCC wasn’t just about learning to weld and fabricate metal. It was about discovering what he was capable of.
“The program helped build my confidence because I could see what people were doing with these skills,” he says.
“People were building houses, fixing vehicles, helping others. I realized these are skills you can use your whole life.”
The power of perseverance
Like many students, Dekai faced obstacles during his program. At one point, he missed time, had to repeat part of a course and wondered whether he would finish. Instead of giving up, he kept going.
Graduating became one of the proudest moments of his life.
“There were times when I wasn’t sure if I was going to finish so walking across that stage meant everything.”
His success was celebrated by his classmates, instructors and his family – especially his grandmother, who constantly encouraged him to keep going.
“She was always checking in, making sure I was staying on track. Sometimes it felt like pressure, but looking back, that support helped me succeed.”
Forming connections
Through work placements and industry networking, Dekai built valuable connections that helped launch his career.
“Coming through NSCC definitely helps you make connections,” he says. “You meet instructors, employers and people during your placements. Those relationships are important.”
Today, he’s working as a metal fabricator in the skilled trades and appreciates having a career built on practical skills.
“The best part is having a trade. I know how to weld. I know how to fabricate metal. That’s something nobody can take away from me.”
Advice for future students
For anyone considering a career in the skilled trades, Dekai encourages them to take the leap.
“Trades are one of the best things you can get into,” he says. “You can make good money, and it’s a skill you can keep for your whole life. Even if you do something else for a while, you can always come back to it.”
Looking ahead, his goals are simple but meaningful. “I want to be financially stable, build something for my future family and have a story people can look back on.”
When asked how he would describe his NSCC experience, he says, “It was fun. You meet new people, you learn something valuable, and you leave with a skill that can change your life. You don’t have to spend years in school and you can graduate with something you can really build a future on.”
For Dekai, that future began with one decision to stay when walking away would have been easier. Today, he’s proof that with support, determination and hands-on learning, students leave NSCC with far more than a credential – they leave with confidence, lifelong skills and opportunities that can shape the rest of their lives.