Our Team
Educators, tradespeople, and advocates united by one goal — connecting youth to meaningful careers in the skilled trades.
COO
Debbie Holmes has dedicated her life to helping others as an educator, speaker, and author of How to Help Others Without Losing Yourself. For the past 30 years, Debbie has taught academics, life skills, and supported career transitions to youth and adults in the Surrey School District. Currently she is working on a program to help address the Federal unemployment rates for youth.
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Mark Flynn has worked in the field of public education for more than 30 years. Throughout his career, he has served as a classroom teacher, alternate program teacher, special education teacher, secondary school counsellor, and, prior to his retirement from public education, Principal of Career Education for the Surrey School District. In this role, Mark worked closely with post-secondary institutions, industry training providers, the BC Ministry of Education, and Surrey School District staff to oversee the delivery of Career Education courses, more than 20 trades programs, and numerous academic dual-credit courses and programs.
CEO
Trades journey started some 10 years ago with a dare. You can't find people for the construction trades. As the owner of a construction trade event, challenge accepted. We found the talent. Youth that don't learn in the traditional sense. I get this. I also don't learn traditionally with multiple choice quizzes by my worst nightmare.
Executive Assistant
With nearly 20 years of experience in clerical and administrative roles within the education system, Allison has built a career around helping things run smoothly behind the scenes. She’s dependable, easygoing, and thrives in fast-paced environments, with a natural talent for keeping things organized and making sure even the smallest details don’t get overlooked.
Director of Operations
Dr. Daniel M. To is a speaker, private consultant, leadership coach, and mentor specializing in education policy and practice, leadership development, mental health and wellness, and strategic communications.