Manuel Flores fell in love with design and construction years ago, and he’s constantly looking for new things and ways to learn.
“It doesn’t feel like work,” said Flores, who will receive the Dean’s Award for the School of Trades during his convocation ceremony on June 12. “It wasn’t difficult to me be engaged in classes and connect with teachers, asking questions and being involved in different projects. Studying under a different language was challenging, but at the same time I enjoy challenges.”
Flores came to Niagara College from Chile, where he was working as a freelance architect and doing renovation projects while he ran a small woodshop.
The move to Canada, he said, allowed him to learn from highly experienced tradespeople – and doubled as an opportunity to pursue a career in a skilled trade that is in high demand.
Flores shared his memories of NC and his plans for the future as a graduate of the Carpentry and Renovation Technician Program.
Manuel Felipe Perez Flores
Academic achievement: Dean’s Award Winner, School of Trades
How do you feel about your upcoming convocation day?
Personally, this is an important step for consolidating my career in Canada. Graduating from college allowed me to find a permanent Job, and also it was a great way to connect with wonderful people worldwide.
How do you feel about receiving the Dean’s Award, achieving the highest GPA in your program?
I feel proud of achieving this award as a result of hard work and perseverance.
What led you to study at NC and to your program of study?
I needed to get more involved in the practical and hands-on side of construction. Canada is famous for its great carpenters and woodworkers, so for me it was a great match. I personally believe that knowing how to build will improve my skills as an architect or designer, and it provided a great platform to update my skills for Canadian needs.
Why are you passionate about your field of study?
Construction is one of the most impactful activities, because it affects human habitats and environments directly. Each building is a great opportunity to impact positively a family, a neighbour, a town or a city. Well-conceived buildings help to create wellbeing and improve communities.
Did you have a specific career goal in mind when you enrolled in your program… did it change since you started?
My main goal was learning woodworking deeper. I discovered a variety of other trades and possibilities (too). Since the program is an all-around, I could get a little experience in all parts of Canadian housing construction.
How did you find your program experience?
The highlight was being able to connect with my teachers and feeling that they recognized me as a colleague after working together in different, small projects or during extracurricular activities. That gave me the confidence that I am able to take this experience and develop my career in Canada.
What did you find rewarding about your program?
I received tremendous support from my program coordinator, Annette Dearling-Manchester, and was encouraged by great teachers: Alex Lukacs, James McQueen, Julian Ledonne, Kristin Williams-Racz, Kevin McGuiness, Craig Brown, Nick Fraraccio, John Hudson, David Bunz, Trevor Dunscombe and Patrick Cahill. I will not forget this amazing group of people.
Did you face and overcome any challenges to graduate?
(It was) stressful trying to balance work and studies, especially because construction is a field (where you) usually work Monday to Friday in the morning, the same time that classes are delivered. So I had to make a decision to postpone my job applications until I graduated to be job ready. Secondly, applying for the Post-Graduate Work Permit and setting everything up for it was difficult for me.
Did you work a placement or co-op as part of your program?
My experience as co-op student was key for me to be able to show what I can do. For me, it was a great opportunity to demonstrate to the employer my commitment and skills. So once I finished the program, they hired me and now I’m part of their team as a project coordinator.
Were you involved in any clubs/ teams or extracurricular activities during your time at NC?
I was able to do the leads program, and a few extracurricular jobs for Niagara College, such as the Gala letters, and the Henley Regatta build.
Do you feel your NC experience has helped prepare you for the future?
This is my second career and I felt like a senior student since I was working in this field for 10 years. I graduated as an architect in 2012 in Chile. This preparation for the future means being able to effectively communicate in a new language, being able to connect and create a network from scratch in a different society, making new friends, and facing the fear of pursuing new experiences and adventures. I think that struggle for adapting was positive.
Are you currently working or looking for a job in your field?
I just was hired as project coordinator. For me, it’s an excellent job that allows me to learn more about production housing in Canada.
What’s next for you?
The position that I just got allows me to work closely with the codes and building practices in Canada. Dealing every day with inspections and trades will help me understand this field better to become a builder or pursue a position in the city as an inspector or plan examiner in the future. If I have to go back to my country, this experience is gold and allows me to be more confident about my skills and I’d even be able to work in different parts of the world.
