Supporting Youth Development through Real-World Experience

Helping the next generation prepare for the future is something we take seriously. Recently, Dasmeet Gill, a Grade 12 high school student and daughter of one of our highway drivers, joined us to gain hands-on experience across several departments at Van Kam. Her time with us was part of her career work experience, where she sought to learn more about the professional world.

A Hands-On Journey

Dasmeet joined us to complete her career work experience hours, eager to see how different roles within a company come together. She spent time in departments like HR, Safety, and IT, gaining valuable insights into the daily operations that keep our business running smoothly. While some tasks were routine, Dasmeet valued the exposure to a real working environment. “I wanted to get a better idea of the workplace, how it works, what the people are like, just the general environment,” she says.

Building Confidence on the Job

A big moment for Dasmeet was when she took on phone interviews in the HR department. It was a challenge that pushed her out of her comfort zone and gave her a real taste of professional responsibility. “I felt like I was actually working, doing something meaningful,” she said.

Though she was initially nervous, Dasmeet took on the challenge and learned how to handle the task’s demands. “I’m not very good with people. I shut down sometimes, so I was kind of thrust into it,” she shared. However, this experience helped her gain confidence and allowed her to handle real-world responsibilities. It was a hands-on experience that showed her what it’s like to contribute to a team and handle essential tasks in the workplace.

A Supportive Environment

Dasmeet also noted the welcoming atmosphere at Van Kam, which differed from her initial expectations. “I thought it would be very serious and strict, but it was much more relaxed than I expected. Everyone was nice and friendly,” she said. This supportive environment made her experience more enjoyable and reinforced the importance of a positive workplace culture.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders

We’re proud to play a role in developing the youth in our community. By offering young people like Dasmeet the chance to explore different career paths and gain practical experience, we’re helping equip them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Good luck, Dasmeet, we wish you all the best in your bright future and thank you for choosing Van Kam as your place for career work experience!

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