Kianna Roy joined the Fall 2025 cohort of the Trades and Diversity Training Program at just 17 years old, bringing with her a profound dedication to personal and professional growth. Kianna recognized early on that the traditional classroom setting was not for her and made the unconventional decision to leave high school early. However, her departure from high school did not halt her education; it was, in fact, only the beginning of her next self-driven chapter.
Throughout the program, Kianna demonstrated an unwavering commitment to pushing her limits. Despite her young age and lack of prior work experience, she met every challenge head-on, consistently keeping pace with her peers. Alongside her job-readiness and technical skills curriculum, Kianna remained fiercely focused on her personal milestones. Partnering with a local adult education center, she successfully earned an incredible 12 credits toward her Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) through a co-op placement and additional coursework, placing her firmly back on the path to graduation. To further boost her employability in the trades, she also obtained her G1 license and enrolled in a driver’s education course.
Kianna’s hard work and resilience have already yielded powerful results. Since graduating from the Trades and Diversity Training Program, she has secured full-time employment as a Grass Cutting Technician with a local landscaping company, proudly serving both residential and commercial clients.
We recently sat down with Kianna to learn more about the journey that brought her to Community Builders and what she has been up to since graduation.
- What was the path that led you to Community Builders?
I grew up around the trades. My dad has been a roofer for over 20 years, and my brother is a steamfitter apprentice, so I was always familiar with that type of work. As I started thinking about my own future, I wanted an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and learn more about different career paths. That’s what led me to Community Builders. The program gave me the chance to develop practical skills, learn from experienced mentors, and build confidence while preparing for the workforce.
2. Were there any particularly memorable moments or lessons learned that you took away from your time in the CB Training Program?
The most memorable part of my time at Community Builders was seeing how much I changed as a person. When I first started, I was very anxious and unsure of myself. As I moved through the program, I gained confidence and began to see positive changes in my life.
One lesson that has always stayed with me came from Keith, who has since retired from Community Builders. He gave me some of the most encouraging advice about both the trades and life. He told me that reaching your goals is like climbing a ladder—you just take it one step at a time, and eventually you will get where you want to be. That’s something I still think about and carry with me today.
3. What has your ‘next chapter’ been since graduating? How did CB open new doors for you?
Since graduating from Community Builders, I got a job with a local landscaping company and earned my G1 driver’s licence. I’ve been focused on gaining more experience in the workforce, building my skills, and learning as much as I can. Community Builders helped prepare me for the workplace by teaching me responsibility, teamwork, and confidence. It gave me a strong foundation and opened doors to opportunities that have helped me continue moving forward in my career journey.
Thank you again for the opportunity to share my experience. I’m grateful for everything Community Builders has done for me.
Community Builders is grateful to our significant funders of our Skilled Trades & Diversity Program. Since our inception in 2016, we have trained more than 430 individuals in four communities in Ontario, launching meaningful careers in the construction industry. Thank you to:
