Zach Burke
Zach, what were you up to before coming here?
I was in high school at St. Macs (St. Malachy’s High School). When I got to Grade 11, I took the first welding class and just practiced. Toward the end of the semester, Steve came in and gave us a presentation on Ready Arc. I came here to test on CWB day – actually ended up failing my flat the first time. Then I did my first semester of Grade 12 welding, came back for CWB day and passed. Second semester I did my co-op at Local 213. I got a lot of practice there and at the end of the semester I ended up passing my F3B with them, so I was ahead coming here.
Why welding?
I just got decent at it pretty quickly. I liked it, it was fun and I got pushed to do it more and more. I find it rewarding too. You go, you do your test and you get your ticket and that’s a nice feeling. I’m the first welder in my family, I just found the spark in high school.
What made you choose Ready Arc?
Well, Steve came in and he gave presentations on it. It sounded like the better option of all the schools, and it was nice coming in here for CWB test day, seeing how the shop works and actually getting to weld here instead of just coming in and looking.
So, how were your six months with us?
Good. I really liked it. Steve and Jason are good teachers. The class itself wasn’t too hard for me, but it wasn’t too easy either. And then in the shop, Butch was good to have down there too. Lots of advice, he’s a good teacher, always helping. I ended up finishing everything by Christmastime and practiced TIG for the rest of the course, pipe and stuff.
You made it to graduation day. What’s next?
Once I get my block results next week, I’m going to head down to Local 213 again, and hopefully, I can get in there. Long term, I’d like to get on full-time at Point Lepreau, that’s the dream in my head. That’s where I’d like to be.