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Skills competition winner learned through apprenticing how to make things right the first time


in only a few years, he would not only find his career path, but would also take first place at a regional skills competition and move on to compete in the Canadian national finals. Working first in a clothing store and then in a doctor’s


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office, Vandevyvere began to realize that “fixing things” is something he enjoys. He was introduced to sprinkler system installation through some friends and started his journey toward certification in 2012. Currently completing level three of this four-level trade, Vandevyvere considers himself to be fortunate on many fronts. “I’ve trained with people who treat me as an equal and


make learning fun,” he says, adding that his mistakes have been just as important as his successes in teaching him how to make things right the first time. “Tis is exactly what I want to apply in my work and pass on when I have the chance to train my first apprentice.” Vandevyvere points out that being a Sprinkler System


Installer is by no means a solo endeavour. “It’s a real team effort,” he observes. “With everyone I’ve encountered in this trade, I work with them, not for them.” Respect for fellow tradespeople is important to do well in the trade, he adds. “You have to be open to the possibility that you’ll work all day with one installer, then somebody new the following day.” Te trade not only pays well, but it’s rewarding, too. Sprin-


kler installations are an important safety feature in buildings of all kinds, critical to helping reduce fire damage, to aid in rescue, and save lives.


Winning first place Vandevyvere recently competed against other Sprinkler


System Installers at the United Association (UA) Western Canada Regional Apprentice Competition held at the Piping Industry College of British Columbia. He won first place in the “sprinklerfitter” category and now moves on to the UA National Competition in Toronto. Participants in competitions like the UA regionals must


have the necessary hours and skill qualifications to take part. Each challenger needs to move through several rounds of competition, including a theory test with a history compo- nent, general and trade-specific tests, three small projects, and one large project specific to each trade.


Matt Vandevyvere displays his award after earning first place in the “sprinklerfitter” category at this year’s UA Western Canada Regional Apprentice Competition.


Vandevyvere looks forward to competing against the best


from all across Canada in the nationals. Winning this com- petition would pave the way for him to join the international competition later this year in Ann Arbor, Michigan. With choices to take on extra work shifts and out-of-town


assignments, Vandevyvere likes that his options within the trade seem to be unlimited. In terms of demand, he says sprinkler system installation has plenty of open doors for people wanting to enter the field. He also enjoys the fact that his career allows him to spend


quality time with family and friends. “Unlike other hectic professions, I don’t have to take work home with me. My workday ends when I clock out.”


Te Red Seal certification he will attain when he completes


his apprenticeship is another big advantage – in addition to having good benefits, work hours and pay. Heading into the national competition, Vandevyvere


says he will continue to put a lot of pressure on himself to succeed. He’s grateful to his colleagues in the trade who have been supportive and positive, telling him to try his best and have fun. When you get down to it, the worst thing that could hap-


pen in the competition is leaving a big puddle on the floor, he says with a smile. “I believe everybody can do the work, but it’s up to you to do it well.” -Apprenticeship Manitoba


Honing your skills on the golf course means


surrendering to the joy of the game Up your comfort level with a golf club so you can spend more time networking


By Natasha Fisher Summer is officially here. It’s the time


of year when we make the most out of our beautiful prairie summers. Meeting friends on patios, attending countless fes- tivals, going to the lake – and even having business meetings out on the golf course. Whether it’s Winnipeg or any other


city, it’s not uncommon that business relationships are formed or cemented while enjoying a game or two of golf. Just think of the number of golf tournaments you’re invited to attend to support a busi- ness partner, client or prospect. If your golf skills are similar to mine,


which is to say minimal, the thought of participating in a golf tournament with a client or a senior leader can be nerve- racking. I personally was caught in a cycle where I was so frustrated with my lack of golf skills that I avoided playing – and the more I avoided playing, the less likely I was to improve – and on goes the cycle. If this sounds familiar to you, there


are ways to overcome this anxiety and improve. Among them is taking some golf lessons or participating in a golf skills clinic. Earlier this year, when JCI Win- nipeg was planning the year, we looked at a variety of training that went beyond effective speaking and negotiating. We looked at skills needed in a variety


of business situations, such as etiquette needed during a business lunch, and of course, skills on the golf course. At the end of May, a variety of people


with differing levels of golf abilities par- ticipated in the Swing into Summer Golf Skills Clinic hosted by JCI Winnipeg.


6 Smart Biz


efore pursuing a career in the trade of Sprinkler System Installer, Matt Vandevyvere worked various jobs, none of which felt like his true calling. Little did he know that


Hitting the links is all part of the job. Photos supplied by JCI Winnipeg.


Both a Golf Pro and Golf Teacher were provided for people to either learn the basics or improve their current game. I personally was in both categories.


While I am still no pro, I have improved my drive. (Actually, if I was to be honest, I now have a drive.) It is amazing to think that in one-and-


a-half hours, I improved a skill that was completely lost to me and frustrated me to no end, while having fun with people that I knew well through JCI or just met because they heard of the event. Another way to improve your golf


game is participating in a few fun tourna- ments, which will take the edge off. You don’t have to be Tiger Woods or Michelle Wie to play in these best ball tournies. Personally, I’ll be participating in two, one of which is the JCI Annual Golf Tour- nament June 25 at Larter’s at St. Andrew’s Golf & Country Club. When you are out there with the pur-


pose of just having fun, as opposed to focusing on how poor you think your game is or feeling like you are the weak link on the team, you will be enjoying the game as opposed to feeling completely


www.smartbizwpg.com


frustrated – and ultimately, you will be more likely to continue to find ways to improve and play. Our summers here are beautiful and we


do make the most of them, which is why if you need to network or build a business relationship, chances are you are going to need to up your golf game. If you are looking for like-minded young profes- sionals to build your skills with, attend a JCI event. You never know what skills you are going to walk away with. Visit jciwinnipeg.blogspot.ca for more


information. July 2015


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