For Andy Orban of St. Catharines, a one-day trades bootcamp opened more than a door.
It opened his eyes to a career that led from Niagara College to apprenticeship to a Red Seal certification in carpentry – all in just four years.
After two years studying math and economics at university, Orban left school and took a job as an automotive assembly worker. The experience made him appreciate hands-on work, while also helping him realize that he wanted a career that would continually challenge him, offer opportunities to learn, and leave him proud of what he accomplished each day.
In 2022, he left the assembly line to do some soul-searching and stumbled upon a one-day Tools in the Trades Boot Camp. Meeting local tradespeople, getting hands-on experience, and receiving a starter toolkit gave him his first glimpse into a career in skilled trades.
Yearning for more, his research led him to the Construction Skills Fundamentals program at NC, a partnership with the Niagara Home Builders Association funded by a provincial grant.
“The program helped me see the uniqueness of construction and carpentry,” said Orban. “It’s made me appreciate the art of building from a simple two-dimensional drawing to something three-dimensional like a house. It was nice to see that the end product of my work could be a beautiful thing like a home for a family to enjoy.”
The 16-week program gave Orban the basics in framing and a paid placement at Paroschy Construction Ltd., who hired him full-time. In the winter of 2024, Orban earned his Certificate of Completion alongside an Award of Distinction for professionalism, leadership and dedication.
The next step took time, effort, and commitment. Over a year and a half, Orban put in long hours to prove his dedication before his employer agreed to sponsor his first apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships are structured through a level system, with each stage requiring a combination of classroom training and on-the-job hours to advance. At NC, Orban completed Carpentry levels ones and two, which focused on safety, blueprint reading, layout, hand tools and residential construction, including framing, flooring, roofing, walls, doors, windows and finishing. He credited the support of his NC professors, whose real-world experience he was always eager to learn from.
One of Orban’s professors at NC, Julian Ledonne, said it was rewarding to watch his former student discover what he wanted to pursue and dedicate himself to achieving it.
“It was awesome being a part of it and watching someone who was a little down on their luck turn things around and set themselves up for a bright future,” said Ledonne.
Ledonne added that Orban’s success was the result of his determination and work ethic.
“Anyone willing to work hard, stay driven and make sacrifices can achieve the same feat. Andy was exceptional in all those areas, and that’s why he is where he is today. I’m excited to see the rest of his story.”
Orban completed his level three courses at another college and recently passed his Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) for General Carpenter, the official credential proving journeyperson status in Ontario.
He now works at Black Forest Construction in Welland where he’s even had the chance to tour those considering a career in the skilled trades.
“If you have passion for it and you’re hungry for it, it’s possible to get what you want at the end of it, which for me was my red seal ticket,” said Orban.
