Name : Jonathan Fillmore
Skills Yukon Affiliation: 2023 Skills Canada National Competition Bronze Medal
Age: 30
Trade & Certifications: Red Seal Carpenter
Current workplace: Yukon University
Would you tell us about your experience in the trade/technology sector, so far? It is hard to sum up briefly, but overall it has been an exciting and very rewarding journey. Throughout my early twenties, I worked in various carpentry settings which allowed me to make an income while exploring my interests and travelling. When I was ready to take my career as a carpenter seriously, I signed up for my apprenticeship and focused on developing my skills to get my Red Seal. Getting my Red Seal has opened up so many doors that I never would have expected—from working as a project coordinator in the commercial industry, to now teaching carpentry here in the Yukon. Opportunity is endless!
How did you start exploring your trades and/or technology career? I am actually a third-generation carpenter, so it has always come kind of second nature.
Was there a certain project or aspect of carpentry that you worked on with your family that fuelled the interest even more? I think it was more of how someone in my family was always renovating or upgrading something in their own homes. It really made carpentry stand out as a necessary skill set for me.
Was there someone who inspired your journey into the trades and/or technology sector? My family (and many of the dedicated small business owners I have had the pleasure of working for over the years) really inspired me to pursue my carpentry career.
How has your trade and/or technology career made your life better? Working in the trades has enabled me to build a sense of community amongst friends and co-workers, by being able to teach and share my skill set (and toolbox).
At what point in your life did you consider becoming a carpenter? Were there any other
career options you were planning on pursuing? If so, do you think you can tie them in with your career now or in the future? It really was a winding road that landed me here. I wanted to pursue carpentry out of high school, but ended up going to college for civil engineering technology instead. As it turns out, engineering was not the best fit for me after all, despite completing three-quarters [of the] terms required. However, no education is ever wasted and many of the skills I developed on that path have played a big role in enabling me to advance my career off of the job site and into the office, and eventually to where I am now—actually teaching at Yukon University!
What does a regular day on the job look like? My regular day is currently filled with teaching apprentices the theory and skills required to successfully progress through their apprenticeship. It’s so exciting to be able to make a positive impact on others’ journeys!
If you met someone who was looking at exploring the trades and/or technology sector, what piece of advice would you give them? Dive in! There is so much support in the trades (both financially and socially), and so many specialty areas to pursue a career!
What is the most-interesting thing/project you have worked on? It’s really hard to pick just one. I really liked working with commercial glulam installations, working with big timber, big saws and cranes, every day, to create unique structures, was a really cool experience.
Is there something about your trade that you think not many people know? I think there are a lot of people who still don’t realize that getting into a trade can lead to as many well-paying career opportunities as a degree or diploma, and the idea that you would always be outside working in the cold is an outdated mindset. With a trade ticket, you can create your own future.
Where do you see your career in five to 10 years? What do you hope for your business in the next five years? If you told me five years ago that I would be living in the Yukon, let alone actually teaching other carpenters, I would not have believed you. I can’t imagine what life might bring in the next five to 10 years, but I hope I can continue to teach, spend time with my family and hopefully grow a small contracting business here in Whitehorse.If you competed at the Territorial or National Skills Competition, tell us about your experience! I competed in the 2023 Territorial Skills competition for carpentry and had a great time! I managed to get a gold medal here in the Yukon and competed at the national competition in Winnipeg, where I brought home a bronze. The Skills program provides so much insight into the trades world, and the competition is next level. I had no idea just how intense the national competition would be, but I poured sweat for 12 hours and loved every second of it!
