Opening Doors for Future Career Choices

Name:  Tyler Hackney

Hometown:  Cambridge, Ontario

Contest Area:  CNC Turning

Students that participate in Skills Canada – Ontario’s programs each have their own unique experience.  Tyler Hackney, a Gold Medalist at both the Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC) and Canadian Skills Competition (CSC) in 2010, used his experience to open doors for future career opportunities.

A graduate of Fanshawe College’s Manufacturing Engineering Technology program, Tyler has used his education to prepare for his career and the OTSC.  “Before I enrolled in this program I knew very little about CNC machining.”

Tyler is employed as a Quality Measuring Technician.  Many of the skills he learned in school and from his experience at the OTSC and CSC he now uses in his job.  “I’m responsible for performing quality checks on the parts going out of the plant.  I also check the pre-made parts coming into the plant from other suppliers and read blueprints to ensure that all of the parts are made correctly.”

Skills Canada – Ontario’s programs provide the stage and opportunity for students to achieve success and realize their full potential.  “For me the Ontario Technological Skills Competition opened the doors for other career opportunities that may come from competing at the World Skills Competition.  That is very exciting.”

Training for the World Skills Competition requires a lot of dedication.  Tyler has been preparing by working with the computer software that he will be using in the CNC Turning contest. “After a few months of practice with the software I will start to work hands-on with the machine and running off parts.”

Tyler feels that there are a lot of great job opportunities in his field.  His advice to other young people considering a career in the skilled trades and technologies is to take as much schooling as you can.  “I will always be looking for opportunities to learn and grow in my career so I can advance my skills and earn more money.”