General Machinist Apprenticeship Program
Competed in Skills Ontario in 2016 & 2017, Welding category (Secondary Level)
Competed in 2019 Skills Ontario, placed 1st in Precision Machining category
Competed in 2019 Skills Canada National Competition, placed 5th in Precision Machining category
I knew from an early age that I wanted to pursue a career in the skilled trades. I was fortunate to be able to choose from a number of high schools and I selected Bendale Business and Technical Institute in Toronto. Bendale BTI offered the shop classes that I was interested in. I enjoyed the welding and machining classes throughout my years there. In grade 12, my shop teacher Ron Zimmer found a co-op placement for me at a small firm in Markham, D Machine Inc. After completing my co-op and graduating high school, D Machine Inc. offered me a full-time position as a general machinist.
One year after beginning work at D Machine Inc., I was eligible through the Ministry of Trades to apply for an Apprenticeship Program in General Machining. Through the Ministry, the college placement is selected for you depending on the number of spots available. I had previously toured a few colleges that offered the General Machinist Apprenticeship Program and requested that I attend Mohawk College as it was the best selection for me and my learning style.
In my first year at Mohawk College, my instructor Adam Taylor suggested I enter the Skills Ontario Competition. In 2016 and 2017, while attending Bendale BTI, I had competed in Skills Ontario in the Welding category so I knew what to expect in regards to the competition’s format and its expectations. Competing at the postsecondary level, however, was a whole new experience for me and I was excited to be a participant.
It was a big surprise to win first place at Skills Ontario in the Precision Machining category. I was also chosen to be part of the Ontario Team and represent Mohawk College again at the Skills Canada National Competition in Halifax in May 2019. I placed fifth at Nationals and I am motivated to compete again in 2020.
It was a great learning experience and I am proud to be a representative of a skilled trade and Mohawk College. It was a great opportunity to visit a part of Canada that I have not been to before and to meet people from all across the country. The Skills Ontario and Skills Canada Competitions have boosted my confidence and demonstrates to potential employers that I have the skills and positive attitude required to work in my trade.
Skilled trades are extremely important to the economies of Ontario and to Canada overall. When you apply yourself and continually improve your skills, the rewards can be spectacular, such as gaining a full-time, challenging position and the opportunity to showcase what you have learned at provincial and national levels.