Trades to Teaching

Finding rewards and a support system in education

James' story 

"Maybe it starts with a thought, maybe it is a prompt from others. 'You would be a great technology teacher'. What do you do with those thoughts? Well 24 years ago I took them to the faculty of Ed and began my rewarding journey.

It will take more energy than you ever thought you could generate, but the recharge from successfully preparing the next generation is so rewarding. The educational techno speak will fill your book, but your personal strengths are in your vast practical experience is for sharing. You may be alone in a classroom, but the education system is an amazing support network."  

Achieving work-life balance while sharing your passion 

Michael's story 

"My journey into teaching secondary school transportation has been both rewarding and meaningful. Prior to entering education, I spent 24 years working as a licensed 310S automotive service technician, a career I truly enjoyed and took great pride in.

I came to recognize the limited opportunities for advancement and the challenges it presented in achieving a healthy work-life balance. This led me to explore teaching, and after reaching out to an experienced transportation teacher, I was fortunate to job shadow for a day. I applied to Brock University and was grateful to be accepted. I’m proud to combine my passion for automotive, and I am excited to offer my students an authentic trade experience as they navigate their future career paths." 

Discovering a new path after a workplace injury

Dan's Story

"After injuring myself on the job, I began reflecting on a new path forward while staying connected to carpentry. I had always enjoyed working with apprentices and found fulfillment in helping others learn the craft. 

To explore this further, I volunteered at a high school to see if teaching would be the right fit for me. From there, I was fortunate to be accepted into teachers' college and eventually hired by the TVDSB, where I could continue supporting the next generation of skilled tradespeople." 

Building strong relationships in education

Derek's Story

"Before becoming a teacher, I worked as an electrician in both the construction and industrial sectors, where I discovered that some of the most rewarding parts of my job were mentoring apprentices and building strong relationships with people.

I took a leap of faith, completed my Bachelor of Education at Brock University, and have never looked back.

Today, the most rewarding part of my career is helping students develop confidence, problem-solving skills, and understanding that mistakes and failures are valuable opportunities to learn and grow. If you're considering becoming a technology teacher, my advice is simple—take the chance; it's an incredibly rewarding profession, and I'm grateful every day that I made the switch." 

Reigniting a passion for coaching and mentoring

Harry's Story

"Before entering education, I spent 10 years working as a wind turbine technician, which came with a demanding physical grind of climbing 300 feet daily, long hours, and extensive travel.

While on paternity leave, I used some of my free time to volunteer as a football coach at SDCI, which completely re-ignited a long-lost passion for coaching and mentoring youth.

Fortunately, two licensed electricians on the coaching staff guided me through the process of balancing work while completing Brock University’s online technological education program. Now, I love being able to bring that real-world industry experience into the shop to help the next generation of students find their own career paths." 

Finding enjoyment and rewards in education

Kyle's Story

"After graduating from high school, I entered skilled trades as a 309A Construction and Maintenance Electrician.

Although I never considered myself passionate about learning in high school, my apprenticeship and career in the trades showed me how rewarding lifelong learning could be. Our company regularly partnered with local schools and welcomed Cooperative Education students onto our job sites, and I quickly discovered that one of the most enjoyable parts of my job was mentoring students and helping them develop their skills and confidence.

A Co-op teacher eventually suggested that I consider teaching, and although I let that idea sit for a few years, I eventually decided to take the leap knowing the trades would always be there if I wanted to return. Six years later, becoming a Technology teacher is one of the best professional decisions I have ever made, and I am grateful to spend each day promoting the skilled trades while helping students discover opportunities through technological education and Cooperative Education." 

Helping launch a one-of-a-kind HVAC program

Phil's story

“My background is that I am a licensed plumber, millwright and I have my G1 Gasfitters license. Before teaching, I bounced around with different companies, in different roles. My last job, before teaching, was as a Boiler Mechanic for Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB). 

I teach a unique HVAC program that involves sheet metal, heating, refrigeration, and gas fitting. This is the only program of its kind in TVDSB and the only school in the province that is a training provider for the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). I like how busy the environment is and helping students achieve their goals is very rewarding and enjoyable." 

Pursuing teaching dreams while working

Rob's story

"I worked as a support staff member with the Limestone District School Board; I was a sign language interpreter. I decided to pursue a career in Hospitality so quit my job and moved my family to PEI where I studied pastry arts. I was 32.

I worked in that industry for 8 years when I was approached by a teacher who had heard of a school searching for a qualified baker to teach in a hospitality program. I had always wanted to be a teacher but found university not to my liking.

I got the job and worked on a letter of permission, applied, and attended the summer program at the University of Windsor. I was 44 when I graduated. I have been teaching for 15 years. I have never looked back. Best job ever!" 

Finding satisfaction and work-life balance in teaching

Marc's story

"My time working in the Hospitality industry was a constant drift through various restaurants and bakeries to find the secrets of all my favorite foods. After putting in over 12 years learning Asian, American, and European cuisine I came to realize that there were very limited pathways forward in my career. As much as I enjoyed learning new recipes and techniques, the long and irregular hours of the industry were not ideal for proper work-life balance.

Having been in charge of training new cooks, I decided that I could accomplish the same goal as a teacher, but with a more reliable schedule and within a much more stable environment.

Now, after 15 years of teaching, I have lived and taught in 3 provinces and trained hundreds of students. By far, the most satisfying aspect of my career is sharing recipes and techniques with students and watching them marvel at the food they created, then watching them eagerly share it with their friends and family." 

Learn more about Lakehead's Technological Education Program

Learn more about Brock's Consecutive Technological Education Program