Hunter Brown

So busy getting back to work that he missed graduation celebrations (and cupcakes!), meet yet another Star Student from our latest grads, Hunter (with his oh-so-proud pup, Ben!). He flew out to Saskatchewan less than 2 weeks after graduating to kick start his welding career – now that’s hitting the ground (or sky?) running!

 

Hunter, what were you up to before coming here?

I had just graduated the year before from high school and was scaffolding for a company here in town. I honestly just decided one day that I wanted to take a welding course.

 

Why welding?

A couple of buddies told me about it. I saw how well they were doing and it piqued my interest. They were actually working at the job site I was working at scaffolding, where we were building scaffolding for the welders. I found myself talking to and connecting with the welders more and more, and I took an interest in what they were doing. I liked the thought of how it can be always a different challenge, you have to use your mind a lot and it’s not as monotonous as some other jobs. There’s always something new you can do and learn. There’s so much more to it than just swinging a hammer.

 

What made you choose Ready Arc?

I knew you could get more tickets at Ready Arc, and you get more out of the course than other programs. Maybe you pay a little bit more than some places, but it’s like anything – you get what you pay for…and I wanted to get as much out of the experience as I possibly could, right from the start.

 

So, how was your six months with us?

It was challenging, but fun. I made a lot of friends and I really appreciate the six months that I spent here. Honestly, I wish it was longer now that it’s over. It’s weird, when you’re there you’re kind of wishing to get it over with some days – but once you’re out you miss it. The instructors – Steve, Jason, Butch –  are all awesome. They care about you doing well, which is a big part of it…for me anyway. They want to see you succeed and that means so much. It makes you want to do better. Their pushing me made me want to strive to be a better student.

 

You made it to graduation day. What’s next?

I’m heading out to do some welding in Saskatoon. The job we’re going to, I fly out tomorrow and we’re going out to weld on a train bridge. I went back to scaffolding just to make some money as soon as class ended but within a week, I had this opportunity – that Jason helped me find, actually. The whole process happened over a few days and before I knew it, my flight was booked – and here we are!