Portage Atlantic STEP Program: A hands-on path to skilled trades

At Portage Atlantic, recovery is not just about sobriety, it's also about rebuilding lives and futures. That’s why the Youth Skilled Trades Exploration Program (STEP) pilot was launched: to give youth in treatment the chance to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in skilled trades while working on their personal growth.

The STEP is a powerful partnership between Portage Atlantic, the Government of New Brunswick, NBCC, and Skilled Trades NB. The goal? To create a welcoming and exploratory program that opens the door to real apprenticeship opportunities for youth who choose to pursue the trades.

Participants take part in morning or afternoon sessions, with separate programming for each community. Under the guidance of Red Seal-certified instructors, residents are introduced to a variety of trades, including:

• Insulator (1 week)
• Plumbing (4 weeks)
• Electrical (4 weeks)
• Bricklaying & Landscaping (6 weeks)
• Carpentry (8 weeks)

Each module provides hands-on training and accredited hours that can be counted toward an official apprenticeship, offering a direct path to career development after graduation.

Residents have already explored several trades through the STEP pilot, each offering a unique set of skills and challenges. The program began with the Insulator Trade, led by Red Seal Insulator Darren LeBlanc, where youth suited up with proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and learned to install insulation, put up chipboard, and prep surfaces for painting.

They then moved into the Plumbing Trade, practicing how to work with pipes, fittings, and tools — gaining confidence as they mastered the fundamentals of a critical trade. Currently, they are engaged in the Bricklaying and Landscaping module, shaping gardens, laying bricks, and learning the value of teamwork. Next up is Carpentry, where residents will continue building hands-on experience and practical skills essential to the construction field.

The Youth STEP program reflects Portage Atlantic’s commitment to innovation, empowerment, and creating real opportunities for youth in treatment. And as this pilot program continues, the impact will only grow — brick by brick, trade by trade, life by life.