Leaky pipe leads to plumbing career
6/7/2010 10:20:15 AM
Matthew Benson’s future was unknown until a copper pipe sprung a leak in his basement. His uncle, a plumber of 40 years, sparked an interest in his line of work while repairing the ruptured tube.
After making a few calls to unions and trade schools and talking to other trades people, Benson decided the Plumber program at College of the North Atlantic’s (CNA) Bonavista campus was the right one for him.
Benson has since graduated from the one-year program and is currently a second-year apprentice, staying quite busy with a career in residential and commercial work employed with Avalon Plumbing and Heat Limited in St. John’s.
“The course was great,” says Benson. “My instructors were very knowledgeable and took the time with everyone who wanted to learn. When I graduated I was chosen as valedictorian of my class and had three job offers the first week out of school. I picked the job I wanted.”
While studying at CNA, Benson’s instructors could sense his interest in the program and encouraged him to participate in the provincial Skills Canada competition. He won gold at the competition and proceeded to the nationals held in Prince Edward Island. Although he didn’t place in the medals, he still viewed it as a great learning experience and a valued addition to his resume.
One of his Plumbing instructors, Richard Briffett, believes Benson gained his success through dedication to the CNA program.
“Matthew was a well organized, motivated student with a goal for success. This was proven to me when he competed in Skills Canada and took gold for the province. Matthew went beyond his own standards when it came to his studies by spending long hours studying his books and doing his shop work. He was the type of student that would not accept knowing that things just worked, he wanted to know how it worked,” explains Briffett.
“Matthew had no problem taking the time to help is fellow students in reaching their goal also. There is no doubt in my mind that he is a great role model for other students interested in this type of career path and he would make for a good ambassador for CNA.”
After successfully completing the program, and now gaining the required work experience, Benson will soon qualify to return and complete advanced level training in preparation for writing his Journeyperson''s examination.
“I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone who is willing to work, likes a challenge, and is driven. The hard work has paid off; I got back 10 times what I put into the program.”
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Media Contact:
Pamela Spencer
Public Relations Assistant
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7928
pam.spencer@cna.nl.ca