Building success: From humble beginnings to a limitless future
Finding his path in a new country
When Charles Miranda first arrived in Nova Scotia from the Philippines as a kid, he faced the challenges that many newcomers experience – adapting to a new culture, overcoming language barriers and finding his place in a new community. Today, at 22, Charles is helping build Nova Scotia's future through his pursuit of a skilled trades career in NSCC’s Plumbing program at the Institute of Technology Campus.
Charles' journey to the trades wasn't direct. He initially enrolled in NSCC's Practical Nursing program, driven by a desire to help others. However, he learned his passion wasn’t in healthcare, and he wanted something hands-on where he could physically create and build. "I've always enjoyed working with my hands," Charles explains. "I wanted a career where I could develop those skills more directly and feel like I was creating something tangible."
Dreams supported by new skilled trades funding
This realization led him to make the switch to plumbing. It wasn't an easy decision, but it aligned perfectly with both his natural abilities and his entrepreneurial aspirations. "My long-term goal is owning my own plumbing business," he shares. "I've always had an entrepreneurial mindset, and the idea of building a business from the ground up excites me."
Before starting his new path, Charles was unsure how he would manage the costs of tuition and balance it with working part-time. Then he received the Growing Nova Scotia's Skilled Trades Workforce Bursary, a $5,000 bursary. The bursary launched in 2024 as part of a $3.2 million investment from the Province of Nova Scotia in partnership with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency to recruit, retain and train more people in skilled trades.
The bursary has played a crucial role in supporting Charles's education. "This bursary has made a huge difference for me," he says. "It's taken a lot of the financial pressure off, so I can focus more on my studies instead of worrying about how to cover costs." As a recipient of the bursary, Charles also accessed the Growing Nova Scotia's Skilled Trades Workforce Bursary College and Job Readiness Fund, helping him purchase tools, clothes, and safety gear for doing tasks in the plumbing workshop.
Building Nova Scotia's future
For Charles, the practical nature of his program has been rewarding. "I've always been someone who learns best by doing, and the practical experience in the program is exactly what I need to build the skills that will carry me through my career,” says Charles. “Plumbing is one of those careers that resonates with my desire to see the results of my work.”
Looking ahead, Charles plans to join a plumbing union company to gain experience before eventually launching his own business. “Being my own boss, managing projects, and growing a business that allows me to support both my community, and my family is a huge motivator for me,” says Charles.
Graduating with gratitude
As Charles graduates from NSCC this June, he is filled with gratitude for the support he received along the way. “I’m so grateful for the support. It’s made a huge difference in my life, and I’m so happy that there are people out there who are willing to help students like me,” says Charles. “It means a lot, and I’m excited to make the most of this opportunity.”
Supporting skilled trades at NSCC
Join us in growing Nova Scotia's skilled trades workforce. Learn more about ways to give to the NSCC Foundation and contact us to discuss how you can support NSCC students:
By phone (toll-free): 1-866-745-7919 | Fax: (902) 491-4828
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