Zachary Ibrahim

Zachary, what were you up to before coming here?

 

I took the welding program at Sheridan College in Ontario in 2012, then worked in areas like Etobicoke and Toronto until 2019 when I moved back home to New Brunswick. When I got back, I couldn’t find work here, so I let all my tickets go and started doing residential carpentry, odd jobs, detailing cars…just trying to find my way.

 

I applied to a carpenter position locally about two years ago. They saw all the welding experience on my resume and asked if I would be willing to do it again. They paid for my tickets, but from there I realized that particular job just wasn’t going to get me anywhere. I came here and spoke to Jason a few years ago, and at that point I knew this was the place for me. That time my funding fell through, but this time it all worked out.

 

Why welding?

This might sound like a silly answer, but I always used to watch shows like Orange County Choppers on the Discovery Channel and they just made it look like fun. That being said, the real world is not exactly like that. You always picture welding on things like custom motors, old cars and stuff. Then you get into the industry and it’s obviously a lot different, but I still loved it. I really like working out in the field, doing iron work and things like that, and that’s all kept me interested.

 

What made you choose Ready Arc?

It’s a no-brainer, there’s no better option. Nothing even came close, and all of the people I spoke to in the industry that were pipe welders, it all came down to here. There was no other place to go and anywhere else would have wasted my time.

 

So, how were your six months with us?

I’m kind of sad it’s over, it was so fun. Actually, the younger students that came through here are far better than I ever was six months into my training years ago. It took me years to get to where they are now, so I wish I came here the first time. It’s weird being one of the oldest when almost everyone else is fresh out of high school. At the beginning, they were getting ahead of me and it pushed me to keep my foot on the gas. The instructors here are awesome, too. Steve is a really good guy who truly cares and loves what he does. But, he also doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and he doesn’t treat you with kid gloves. I like how hard he and Jason are on everybody. That’s what students need, and that’s why the grads out of here are so good.

 

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

I’m looking at trying to get into the unions, I just haven’t decided where to go quite yet. I’m going to put in applications and see where it goes. I’ve got a casual gig lined up in the meantime, working mill maintenance in Chipman. That should give me time to find the perfect opportunity, and for now that sounds great. I love welding because there’s a lot of variety. It’s not the same thing every day and there are so many options to consider.