I have mentioned it all over my wed site that I used to be a welder. If you’re wondering why I’m not anymore, it’s for a reason that means a lot to me.
I started my welding Career in grade 12 of high school. I was not good at learning in a classroom, so I got a OYAP in grade 12 so I could start my career early. The first year of my welding career, I was at load lifter forklifts. I would weld the frames of the machines together. I did not like sitting in one place, so I started mobile welding with a company called Marlin Tech. We did high voltage breaker installs all over the province. This was the most fun I had ever had. The work and money were great. The people I worked with were even better. In the beginning of 2023, I got me CWB certification for welding and finished 3 years of my apprenticeship. Everything was great and going to plain.
This is what I did day in and day out. I would travel around to different areas and weld whatever they wanted me to weld. I had my own company truck, company card, and much more.
But in 2023 on March 21, one of my very good friends, Mitch Watson was crushed and killed at work. He worked in a very similar line of work as me. You can read about his accident here if you would like.
Once this happened, I thought about what I was doing. I was under objects that were heavier than vehicles, and sometimes they were supported just by some wooden blocks and straps. So, I stopped working and went back to school. I took a course at Durham college with the hopes of taking over my father’s company. The trades are great work, and it honestly was some of the best years of my life so far, but the lack of safety or care for the “little man” is beyond belief.
To everyone, be safe at work. my friend was killed by someone else who was not being safe. Always look out for each other.