Name: Jewnwel Junsay (2023 Territorial Skills Competition Competitor)
Age: 19 (just graduated from high school!)
Current workplace: HvacTech Systems Inc.
Current Trade: Sheet Metal
Can you tell us about your experience in the trade sector so far?
My experience in sheet metal and welding has been thrilling. I have always been fascinated about how things are made, more specifically how metal structures are made. I find it intriguing that people who specialize in these fields make it look so easy. Being able to learn from and work with them makes me feel quite honoured. Also, going into my first day as a sheet metal worker was nerve-racking because I felt extremely pressured into excelling, right away, which I put upon myself because I did not want to be a burden to my co-workers and manager; however, they were kind, patient and highly supportive of me, which helped me feel less anxious going to work.
How did you start exploring your career in sheet metal?
In all honesty, I never thought I would be interested in being in the trades at all. I took shop classes throughout high school because I really enjoyed doing things with my hands and it was a stress-reliever from my other courses at school. I didn’t really pay much attention to anything trades related until I was in my last year of high school. When contemplating what I was going to do in post-secondary, I was drawn towards the practicality of the trades and so I started exploring the different careers that suited my interest, which were sheet metal and welding, and leaned more towards that path.
Was there someone who inspired your journey into this specific trades sector?
I specifically cannot name one person who has inspired me in my journey into the trades because there are just plenty of them: my teachers, my co-workers, my manager, my welding-club instructors and people I have met at the Territorial and National Skills Competition. There are just so many people that have inspired me to be where I am right now. These people have [so consistently] shown me their love for their work that they inspire me to follow what I love to do.
How has your trade career made your life better?
Working in sheet metal has been fulfilling to me. Although there are some frustrating moments, I always see it as a fun challenge and an opportunity to learn and grow. I truly feel like myself when I’m at work.
What does a regular day on the job look like?
A regular day on the job would be arriving at the workplace at around 7:40 a.m. and waiting until the clock hits 8 a.m.— then the work begins. Limited by the number of things I am trained to make in the shop, I make parts—ducts, grille boxes, box pans, etc. that are requested by my co-workers working at the construction site—from sheets of metal. Sometimes I get sent to the site, which I always find exciting because of the different work environment, and I get to see other trades in action. At the end of the day, I tidy up my workspace and clock out.
If you met someone who was looking at exploring the trades sector, what piece of advice would you give them?
For those that are still in high school and are interested in trades but do not know where to start, I would suggest taking shop classes and talking to your school counsellor regarding your interest in the trades. They might be able to provide you [with] recommendations on courses that you might enjoy, and even lay out a career path for you. Going to local Trades shows and the Skills Canada competitions exposes you to many types of trades and/or technology careers, and the “try-a-trade” booths are always fun to do too.
What is the most-interesting project you have worked on?
The most-interesting project I have worked on is the dinosaur bike rack at the main entrance of Yukon University that I made with the Welding Club. It is really cool! I recommend that people go see it when they get the chance.
Is there something about your trade that you think not many people know? Something about my trade that I think not many people may know is that the work is not always being in the shop and creating parts from sheet metal. It is also working on-site and installing those parts. There is a lot of improvising involved to make the parts fit because the plans are not always right or there are obstructions in the way, but having your improvised plan work is highly satisfying.
Where do you see your career in five to 10 years?
It’s quite difficult to see myself in five to 10 years because a lot can happen in a year that can instantly change my direction in life, but my goal is to get my Red Seal in sheet metal.
Tell us about your experience competing at the 2023 Territorial Skills Competition:
I competed at the Territorial Skills Competition in Secondary Welding and it was such an enjoyable experience. I was then invited to be a youth representative for Yukon at the National Skills Competition for the Skills for Success Youth Assembly, where we made social-media content for Skills Canada, to promote the Skills Competition. It was such a surreal experience! The venue was massive and there were so many different trades and technology competitions that I didn’t know existed!
