When Miigwans Oakes was called to the guidance office in Grade 12, he didn’t expect it to change his future. What started as a simple conversation led him to the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board’s (SMCDSB) Custodial Training Program—a decision that put him on a new career path.
The program is offered through Our Lady of Hope Catholic Continuing Education School and combines online learning with hands-on experience. "I did a couple of months online, then my high school co-op at Monsignor Clair," Miigwans explains. "After that, I spent a few more months working every day for six hours. Then, on September 25, I got hired. Now, I'm here."
And he’s thriving. "I love it," he says. One of the best parts for him is the sense of community. "I grew up in St. Mary's, then went to St. Joe’s, and I guess I just stuck around."
The program didn’t just give him a job—it prepared him for it. "I learned way more than someone normally would when they first get hired," he says. "It fills in a lot of gaps, like knowing safety protocols, cleaning procedures, and how to handle allergy-sensitive areas. You have to be up to date on everything, and this program really teaches you that."
When asked if he’d recommend it to others, Miigwans quickly says yes. "You get to explore. It’s not just cleaning—you learn about maintenance, too. It’s hands-on, and you can apply these skills in other jobs or even if you go back to school."
Looking back, he acknowledges that getting used to the program took some time, but everything came together in the end. "Honestly, it worked out perfectly." And he never felt like he was on his own. "The support was really there. You shouldn't be afraid to ask questions because that’s how you learn. That support helped me throughout my co-op and even now."
Miigwans’ story is just one example of how the Custodial Training Program helps students gain real-world experience and take meaningful steps toward their future. To learn more or register for the 2025-2026 program, visit www.continuinged.smcdsb.on.ca.