Career Profile - Skilled Labourer

Ryan Campeau

A graduate of Urban Circle Training Centre and the Construction Employment Training Program at Winnipeg Technical College (now Manitoba Institute of Trades & Technology), Ryan Campeau is well on his way to a successful career as a skilled labourer.

Originally from Pelican Rapids, Manitoba, Ryan was drawn to the physical aspects of construction and the freedom to learn a variety of skills. “I decided on construction because I enjoy the freedom to move from one job location to the other and also the great health and fitness benefits of skilled labour,” said Campeau.

Getting to where he is now took a lot of hard work, perseverance and study. While living in The Pas, Manitoba, in 2011, Ryan decided he needed a change of scenery and moved to Winnipeg. “Without a lot of training under my belt, I found it difficult finding work right away,” explained Campeau. “Until one day I read a newspaper article about Urban Circle, and registered there to complete my grade 12. I had just enough money for school and rent and walked to and from school every day even in the cold.” Ryan credits his grandmother as his role model – “she was strong willed and never gave up.”

Ryan’s strong commitment to education and training even meant there were days without enough money for food. “While attending both Urban Circle and Winnipeg Tech there were times I went to class hungry,” said Campeau. “But completing my education was my single focus and with the help of my instructors and some good friends along the way I was able to celebrate two graduations in the same month!”

On the job site, Ryan’s duties vary day-to-day, making the job interesting as no two days are the same. “My last project was mainly helping the carpenters, building forms, hoarding, working with concrete and some landscaping. “My biggest accomplishment was the Mile 14 project in The Pas where I worked 10-12 hour days and it took a year to complete. It was hard, challenging work but I stuck it out to the end.”

Ryan’s advice for high school students is to challenge yourself and figure out what it is you like to do. “Don’t wait too long to choose a career path and find out what education and training you’ll need to get there.”

For more information about careers in the construction industry, visit: www.mbcsc.com