An interest in gardening turned into plans for a career in landscaping for Evan Sturdy who now feels equipped with the skills to succeed.
Camosun College
ETP grad Evan Sturdy stands next to his dad John Sturdy
A graduate of Lambrick Park Secondary School, Evan enrolled in the Employment Training and Preparation program at Camosun College with the goal of becoming career-ready.
“I picked Camosun because it is a great way to learn about different things and also to get the skills for a good job,” explains Evan. “I took courses in Earth Gardening, Farm to Table Food Service, Employment Skills and Community Leadership.”
Evan admits that he has always enjoyed getting his hands dirty and being outdoors so naturally the Earth Gardening course was a great fit. He’s quick to say that all the classes taught him new things, gave him knowledge and allowed him to make new friends and grow as a person.
“The whole college experience for Evan was similar to my experience and most students. It was chance to go from being a teenager coming out of high school to maturing to being a young adult after three years of going to college."
John Sturdy, Evan's dad
“The best reason why students should come to Camosun and try the ETP program, is because they will learn a lot of great stuff from the teachers,” adds Evan. “Also, they will get more knowledge. They also have a good relationship with people on campus.”
After graduating, Evan was able to further his landscaping skills by taking a course through Power to Be, a non-profit organization that helps people living with a disability or barrier – whether cognitive, physical or social – access nature.
“I always feel safe at Camosun with staff and everywhere I go. All the way to the cafeteria and the classroom,” says Evan. “I always have a lot of friends, which is very important part of college life. Relationships were more important than being in class because it is a way to meet friends and be close to other people.”
Dad John Sturdy saw Evan grow more independent as a result of his son’s time at Camosun College in addition to setting life goals and a career ambition.
“The whole college experience for Evan was similar to my experience and most students. It was chance to go from being a teenager coming out of high school to maturing to being a young adult after three years of going to college,” says John. “It was also a chance for him to grow and learn independence as Evan took the bus on his own out to Camosun every day and learned how to interact with staff and students once he got there, and be a part of the campus community, the same as all the other students.”
What changed most for Evan was the ability to gain real-world knowledge that he can use in getting a job and use it in his work life.
Evan graduated from Camosun in 2024 and worked in landscaping over the summer, something he’d like to pursue full time. Evan now has long term goals. He wants to spend time on his own hobby farm and be involved in landscaping and gardening.
About ETP programs
Employment Training and Preparation (ETP) programs are designed for adults who identify as facing barriers to education and employment. These strength-based learning programs equip students with the skills needed for entry-level jobs while exploring various work, educational, and community environments. In small cohorts, students develop essential life, learning, and work skills in retail, kitchen, and garden settings, with opportunities for workplace certifications and practical experience. Learn more at camosun.ca/etp.
Employment Training & Preparation
Break down barriers, prepare for entry-level employment and explore a variety of work.
Contact information
Rodney Porter
Camosun College