In high school, Ryan had always loved his shop class. He took part in the OYAP program with an employer in the construction industry and enjoyed the work, but unfortunately once the program finished, so did his employment.
It was from there that Ryan discovered Centre for Skills Development Get in Gear program in 2009, where he could continue learning more in depth about construction, as well as about the electrical and machining trades at the same time.
“The fact that we got to learn multiple trades from experienced instructors was extremely valuable to me,” says Ryan. “The teachers had a great energy and approached everything with an optimistic approach, which made me excited to learn more.”
After completing the program, Ryan went on to work for a home builder in Hamilton, working as a general carpenter apprentice, then moving to Barrie where he finished his apprenticeship in General Carpentry with another employer.
After moving back to Halton Region, Ryan decided to open up his own company, Red Rock Carpentry. “I knew the ins and outs of how to run a carpentry business because my previous employer consisted mainly of myself and the owner, so I felt like it was a good time to build my own company where I could make my own decisions,” says Ryan. “Running your own business can be a lot of work, but can be very rewarding choosing your own career.”
After owning the business for four years, Ryan has successfully built up his profile and excited to take on a new challenge: teaching the very program he took as a student years ago; the role of instructor of the Get in Gear program at Centre for Skills.
“I’m excited to bring the knowledge and experience I’ve had to those who are just starting to realize their interest in this industry as I had ten years ago,” says Ryan.
As for providing advice for anyone interested in the Get in Gear program, Ryan said to value your time on the job: “Treat your education like it’s a job; I’ll be showing these students exactly what it is like in the real world, so it will be very hands on!”
Learn about how you can be part of Ryan’s class and learn three trades in this career exploration program! Apply today at: http://centreforskills.ca/Skilled-Trades/Get-in-Gear