At OSTTC, we believe in nurturing talent and providing hands-on experiences that shape the future of our students. One of our dedicated co-op students, Josh Jonathan Shawana, has been on an exciting journey with us, diving deep into the world of welding. We had the pleasure of asking Josh a few questions about his experience, aspirations, and the valuable skills he's been acquiring during his co-op placement.

Here's what he had to share.

1. Why did you choose OSTTC for your co-op placement?

I attended the Mind Over Metal camp during the summer, where I first got my experience with welding. I really enjoyed it. From there, I chose OSTTC for my co-op placement because I already knew the people who work here, and since I was familiar with welding, I thought it would be a great fit for a co-op placement. It has paid off!

2. What are you currently working on in your placement?

Right now, I'm focusing on acquiring my SMAW welding ticket.

3. What is your next step after completing your co-op?

In the future, I hope to start working on welding projects at home to help me further hone my skills.

4. Do you feel you are more prepared now for the workforce?

I do! The instructors have gone to great lengths to try and make me an ideal welder, right from being a beginner to now – though I would say I am still in a learning stage. There are so many other types of welding to learn so I feel that I am just at the tip of the iceberg. However, I feel very confident with my welding abilities for the stage I'm currently at right now.

5. When all your education is complete, what field do you want to work in?

I would love to work in the trades. But a particular field? That I’m not sure of yet. I would definitely like to do something that includes gluing hot metal together, whether it be as an Iron Worker or Boilermaker!

Thanks, Josh, for sharing your experiences with us!

Josh's journey with OSTTC exemplifies the growth and opportunities that a co-op placement can offer. His passion for welding and commitment to improving his skills are truly inspiring. We are proud to support students like Josh in their educational and professional journeys. At OSTTC, we are dedicated to equipping our students with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed in their chosen fields. We can't wait to see where Josh's welding skills will take him next!