Hands on Can Mean a Foot in the Door

 WOODSTOCK - “I wasn’t up for university and I needed a trade.” said Stephen Chisholm an electrician for Dobbelsteyn Service and Maintenance Ltd., and that’s a common thought for many people. They’re not interested in university, and are wondering what to do. 

But that didn’t stop Stephen. He started out working other jobs but that’s all they were. Jobs, but not careers. In 2008 Stephen decided to take electrical, a course and career he had considered in the past but never reached for.

“Location was a big thing; I didn’t have to move anywhere. I got to live in my own home,” said Stephen, a common thought for potential students. NBCC offers a small community atmosphere for the students to learn in. 

Now a successful electrician thanks to NBCC, he works in his ever changing field and is a trusted worker, thanks to his training.  The staff is a group of hard-working individuals who know what it takes to get the job done right.

Recruited from the field, most of the NBCC staff worked years to get the experience they needed to succeed. Jody Greer is the electrical shop teacher for the school. “It’s hands-on training, you’re learning everything. So when you do leave here and you go to work, you’re already trained and who you work for doesn’t have to worry.”

That’s what companies like Dobbelsteyn are looking for, and when they hired Stephen that’s what they got, a responsible worker who was well versed in all aspects of his field. From residential to industrial he was ready to conquer his field when he walked out of NBCC.

The electrical course is a short one year of study but is packed full of hard work to help make the best electrical workers possible. The class is full of people; students straight from high school and mature students looking to change their lives. “I wouldn’t be surprised if the majority of students were mature,” said Stephen. 

The college is an important figure for the town and has helped many people change their lives and become successful in their work. More than that though the college is turning jobs into careers for people like Stephen. Using a “hands on” schooling approach, the college ensures that you already have a foot in the door.

Stephen is now working in a field he loves and changing his life for the better. He works for a good company and has a loving wife and home. He reminds us, “College works, make it work for you.”

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