TESSA'S STORY
1 FEB 2017
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE?
By: Austin Harril
Finding an answer to this question something we all struggle with, but never more than when facing the prospect of high-school graduation. We expect our 18-year-old-self to make a decision that will define the rest of our life, and it causes incredible anxiety.
At least, most of us.
For some, we're lucky enough to have an experience that exposes the answer. For Tessa Ferzli, it was a Home-Building course offered by her high school. Over a semester, working with her class, teachers, and trades; Tessa experienced building a house from beginning till end, and was exposed to the possibility of a fulfilling future in the trades. From pouring the foundation to laying shingles, she tried her hand at every trade, and found a resonance with masonry.
Tessa’s Experience
During high school, Tessa reached out to Integrity Masonry to see if she could deepen her knowledge and level of experience with masonry work. We were happy to accommodate her, having her work with us as a labourer for a summer, learning and working side-by-side with Red Seal certified masons. Impressed by her incredible work ethic and commitment to the craft; we decided Integrity couldn’t do without her.
However, as a matter of policy, Integrity hires only Red Seal certified masons. As such, we are currently in the process of sponsoring her apprenticeship in masonry so that she can get her Red Seal and come to work for us formally full-time. Our experience with Tessa has demonstrated that there is significant value to be gained investing in youth interested in the trades, and has led us to the formation of our scholarship program.
Future In The Trades
In an age of unprecedented under-employment, where expensive degrees are a basic requirement for unfulfilling work, working as a trade offers a several benefits. Not only is pursuing an education in masonry, plumbing, etc. comparatively cheaper to a university degree, but it opens the door to taking advantage of a historically-unprecedented demand for skilled trades. On-top of providing an accessible means to a comfortable future, working as a crafts-person provides a unique attachment to the product of one’s work.
When many of her peers are going into debt to pursue degrees many are unsure they truly identify with, in order to access careers they are unsure they’ll enjoy, Tessa has been fortunate enough to find a path that offers her certainty, stability, and fulfillment. Thanks to the Integrity Masonry Apprenticeship Scholarship Program so can you.
Working In Masonry
If you’re interested in the possibilities that a future in professional masonry can offer, we invite you to explore the following resources.
For High School Students: OYAP
If you’re in grade 11 or 12, and interested in trying your hand at a future in the trades, we invite you to consider the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. OYAP allows Ontario high school students to work as an apprentice in their choice of any one the trades, including masonry, while completing their high school education. You can find a full list of available trades here.
Successfully completing your OYAP co-op program allows you to graduate not only with your high school diploma, but also official status as journey-person in the trade of your choice!If you’re interested in learning more about OYAP, or engaging with the program, all it takes is speaking to your school’s guidance counselor!
Ontario Masonry Training Centre:
The OMTC is Ontario’s best source for those seeking to begin their education in the craft of masonry. Offering independent courses, full or part-time training programs, apprenticeship opportunities, and more, the OMTC offers access to a range of education opportunities that can fit your needs. We recommend you take a look at them here.
It's important to note that, unlike post-secondary institutions, the OMTC is a training school for craftspeople. A non-profit funded by Ontario trades unions, to access their courses, you must be nominated by a certified trade. Offering a unique approach to education, the OMTC combines classroom and on-the-job training to create the best tradespeople Ontario has to offer.On top of providing an excellent education in the fundamentals and advanced techniques of Masonry, it’s worth mentioning that the OMTC charges significantly less, for an education we believe to be of higher value, than any other institution offering masonry education in Ontario. The OMTC is a training agent funded by the masonry industry contractor associations, manufacturers, government, and unions; with a mandate to fill the trades skill gap. This is why classroom fees are so comparatively small to other post-secondary institutions.
If you’ve graduated high school, investigating the possibilities of an education through the OMTC can open doors to a fulfilling future in masonry. Requiring 1/10th the financial investment of the average university education, and with a 94% post-graduation employment rate, enrolling with the OMTC provides a fantastic alternative to immediately enrolling in university or college.
Try your hand at a trade, see if you like it. If you don’t, the comparatively low investment of time and money required by the OMTC means that pursuing a university or college degree remains available to you. If you’re fortunate however, like Tessa, your experience may expose to you the possibility of an exciting, fulfilling, and comfortable future working in the trades!
Integrity Masonry
In a time of unprecedented demand for skilled trades, Integrity Masonry has a significant interest in investing in the next generation of Masons in Ontario. If you’re interested in investigating the possibilities that a future as a professional mason can offer you; we invite you to explore the above resources, speak with your guidance counselor (if you’re in high school), and get in touch with jobs@integritymasonry.ca if you’re interested in exploring laboring, apprenticeship, and educational opportunities!
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