Name: Jonathan Sinke
Hometown: Jordan Station, Ontario
Being a world-class competitor will earn you many things. Like the opportunity to represent your country at the World Skills Competition, knowledge, and, of course, new skills!
Another benefit of being one of the best in the world in a skilled trade is the recognition that comes from this prestigious honour.
Jonathan Sinke, a third year Cabinetmaking apprentice and student at Conestoga College, feels that winning gold at both the Ontario Technological Skills Competition and Canadian Skills Competition has gained him recognition within his community which will help him when he starts his own business. “When potential clients see that I have won these skills competitions and what I have accomplished, even though I am young and don’t have 25 years of experience under my belt, it should help me to gain their confidence and trust.”
At Conestoga College, Jonathan is learning all the theoretical knowledge that comes along with the trade, in addition to hands-on training in the workshop which is equipped with all of the latest machinery. “This is great because many of us who work in smaller shops would not get the opportunity to work with some of the production machines, except through school.” After graduation Jonathan plans to write the Red Seal Exam which would certify him as a Cabinetmaker, and is recognized throughout North America.
At Conestoga College, Jonathan is learning all the theoretical knowledge that comes along with the trade, in addition to hands-on training in the workshop which is equipped with all of the latest machinery. “This is great because many of us who work in smaller shops would not get the opportunity to work with some of the production machines, except through school.” After graduation Jonathan plans to write the Red Seal Exam which would certify him as a Cabinetmaker, and is recognized throughout North America.
In preparation for the World Skills Competition Jonathan has been training at night and on weekends while working fulltime and also attending a night course in small business studies. He is very excited to see the top young trades from all around the world. “I am sure each nation has their own way of doing things, but we will all be brought together working on the same project with the same desire to do our best.”
Jonathan says there are good job opportunities in Cabinetmaking and that there will be even more in the future. “Many of the competent tradesmen are now getting older and starting to retire and there are not enough young people with the skills needed to fill the gap.” If you’re a young person thinking about a career in the skilled trades and technologies Jonathan’s advice is to definitely pursue a skilled trade because your skills will be in demand in the future!
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