Jeff Jaarsma wanted to be a farmer. “I come from a family of
farmers. If I could, I would do that but it’s tough to be a full-time farmer
these days.” So, through persistence, he got a job with HY-TECH Drilling Ltd. in Smithers.
“An amazing employer,” Jeff says. “HY-TECH spoils me”.
Jeff’s generous and forward-thinking employer is helping to support him while at Northwest Community College (NWCC) for his Level C welding training (ITA accredited) welder training program where he’s learning all the skills required to be a safe, competent trades worker. Although he could have gone elsewhere, his supervisors recommended that Jeff do his training here.
Jeff says that NWCC’s welding program has been really good, and that his instructors, Peter Haigh and Bruce Neid, are great. “They help you out and we have a lot in common apart from school and work.”
Jeff had done some welding on the job and discovered that he has a knack for it. “I enjoy it,” he says. “I like the end result of having built something. I also like the atmosphere of trades – a more hands-on opportunity. A desk job doesn’t suit me.”
When Jeff finishes is Level C welding training in March he will return to HY-TECH as a much more skilled employee. He can continue on to Level B (intermediate) and Level A (highest level) to become a journeyman welder.
