Name : Anthony Steele-Legault
Skills Yukon Affiliation: 2019 Territorial Skills Competition Competitor
Age: 24
Trade & Certifications: Level 3 Welding Apprentice
Current workplace: YukonU / Self-Employed
Can you tell us about your experience in the trade/technology sector so far? My experience in the trade sector has been inculcated. From all the support you receive for education and instructors, to all the journeymen out there supporting and taking on apprentices, my journey so far has been nothing but outstanding.
How did you start exploring the trades and/or technology career? It all started during high school in Russ Tait’s shop class where my love for welding began. He had us do little welding projects as part of his curriculum. Soon after, I was approached by Skills Canada Yukon to compete for Team Yukon at the Skills Canada National Competition in Winnipeg, for the year of 2017.
Was there someone who inspired your journey into the trades and/or technology sector? Right from the start, my biggest support was Russ Tait and the members within Skills Canada Yukon who really pushed me to be a better welder and continue in the apprenticeship program. Later, more amazing mentors like Sky Person, Scott Novack, Adam Griffis and Gord Roza all pushed me to excel and taught me so many skills that I am forever grateful for. There are so many amazing mentors within the trade sector, you will never stop learning.
How has your trade and/or technology career made your life better? Being a skilled tradesperson has benefited my life in so many ways. When you are a skilled tradesperson, you will never be out of work. I mean never; we are always in demand. I’ve always constantly had work with great pay, and it was the best choice I’ve made. Especially since all your schooling is paid for and you actually get paid to go! So, no student debt and no worry to pay the bills. With all my transferable skills I’ve been able to start my own business doing custom laser cutting and engraving, ASL Customs.
At Skills, we identify that learning a skilled trade can bring you through various employment opportunities and creative pursuits. When you began your welding apprentice, did you know you wanted to start your own business or was it an option you deemed viable down the line? When I started my journey to become a welder, I never really thought about becoming a business owner, but as I progressed, it became more of a goal.
What was starting a business like during your apprenticeship? Starting a business during my apprenticeship was challenging, yet so rewarding.
The support from local programs, such as Yukon University’s Summer Biz, members of the community and other local businesses who strive for supporting local entrepreneurs, definitely made it easier.
What does a regular day on the job look like? A regular day for me in the welding trade would be starting with a plan. Once the plan is made, you need to figure out all the materials needed to build. Once I gather everything, I make sure the welder is good to go, then continue by taking measurements and cutting pieces to the right length. Then, when I’m all set, I can start the most exciting part—playing with fire and fusing the metal together! Once I’m done, I get to see what I curated from bare metal to a functional product. It’s a great feeling.
If you met someone who was looking at exploring the trades and/or technology sector, what piece of advice would you give them? I would suggest you really look into all the available trades. You will be surprised at how many professions are actually a skilled trade! Once you narrow it down, I would suggest talking to a skilled person in that field and asking them what their lifestyle is like, their likes and dislikes of the trade, and what you can expect.
What is the most-interesting thing/project you have worked on? I’ve worked on all kinds of cool stuff: building mini aluminum jet boats, working on large heavy equipment, large art projects and signs. One of my favourite projects was the Yukon Built store window guard! From designing them in 3D CAD, to cutting the parts out, to fabricating all of the window guards.
Is there something about your trade that you think not many people know? I think most people believe that they have to go off to college to get a good-paying job. It’s sad to see the trades being put in the shadows so much. We need tradespeople for everything. Being able to be a certified red seal tradesman, without spending a dime for the education, is something quite amazing and a lot of people are missing out on the opportunity.
Would you recommend that people try to learn a trade (at any point in life), even if they do go off and pursue a university-oriented education? I honestly would highly recommend getting involved with a trade at whatever stage you are in life. Whatever education you’ve been through, there are so many great life skills that come along with being in the trades: you can fix your own car, build your own shed, fix and repair things yourself. The trades are everything in our daily life—from the roof over your head, to the heating pipes within your home, to the car you drive to work. Being in the trades has allowed [me] to fix things myself and to build custom projects I’ve desired.
Where do you see your career in five to 10 years? What is your hope for your business in the next five years? I see myself having a small fabrication shop, building creations that I’ve been wanting to build, and bringing people’s imagination to life! Being near the end of my apprenticeship will only grow my business. In the next five years, I hope my business will be able to provide our community with quality, local, custom-made goods and be in the position to support other young entrepreneurs in seeking their business dreams.If you competed at the Territorial or National Skills Competition, tell us about your experience! I competed in the 2017 National Skills Canada Competition in Winnipeg. It was such a great experience having a fully paid trip to Winnipeg, which is so amazing since I’ve never been there before! This trip really jump-started my welding career, as right after the competition I was able to get a job with a local welding shop. That was the start of my apprenticeship to becoming a welder. Besides the competition, it was so awesome seeing all the other trades show off their skills.
