Chris - General Machinist

It was a pleasure to sit down and talk with Chris Redmond, a 25 year old general machinist apprentice and his employer Bob Benner of Hamill Machine Co. in Niagara Falls.

These two are a perfect combination; the employer offering the opportunity, and the apprentice who knows the value of such. 

Following high school, Chris went into accounting.  He soon realized it wasn’t for him.  His interest was in working with his hands. He had enjoyed his shop classes in high school but in retrospect felt he didn’t get enough guidance or encouragement to go into the trades.  He started working in labourer positions and wound up in the sheet metal trade.  He learned how to use various tools, gained valuable experience, but still knew that it wasn’t the right fit for him.  He continued to search. 

Chris encourages anyone to do their research.  “Apprenticesearch.com has information about all the trades.  I used it all the time.  It was through this service that I discovered information which led me in the right direction.”   Chris applied for the position at Hamill as posted through Job Connect.  He has not looked back.   He now looks toward the future.  Chris is entering his first level of the educational component of the trade two nights a week at Niagara College. 

“I came into this position as a blank slate; willing to learn and to do my best each and every day.  It is so important to have a positive attitude.  If an employer takes a chance on you, the least you can do, is your best” Chris offered.  His advice to today’s youth is to “try a little harder at everything you do, research to discover what suits you as a person, try co-op, discover what job opportunities fit into what trades, and most importantly, don’t waste your time, just go out and do it”. ‘Showing up’ is paramount. 

“Chris is willing to do anything and that shows character,” Bob states.   “Tasks such as cleaning the material racks provide opportunities for the apprentice to become familiar and comfortable handing the materials and tools they will be using.   Delivering prepared materials offers the apprentice an opportunity to see the urgency of the job, communicate directly with customers and receive further instructions.  It’s all part of learning the trade,” Bob adds.  His advice to any apprentice is “learn through the tradesperson.”

Chris stresses the importance of being safety conscious; listening to, and having respect for the trade, and the tradesmen.  He knows the value of apprenticeship and has discovered the brotherhood and loyalty amongst his fellow apprentices and tradespeople.  He loves the precision of the industry; learning the steps and procedures for each task.  His skill set continues to grow.  

Chris has hope for the future of his trade and the industry in general.  “There will always be machines and there will always be wear and tear on equipment.  A ticket is a secure thing”.