Hi,

I’m going to graduate from George Brown College in Toronto in April with a diploma in Construction Renovation.  In the course we covered both in class and in the shop, framing, roofing, drywall, plumbing, electrical, building code, site management etc.  Basically we got to know a little about a lot.  The reason I went to school was because I couldn’t seem to get beyond being just a labourer.  I’ve worked for GC’s before and basically it was move this pile of 2×4’s from here to here or move this stack of drywall from here to here or go get us some coffee.  I have no problem doing grunt work.  I understand its part of the building industry.  But 5 years from now I want to be a skilled tradesman.  I don’t want to be just a labourer all my life.  I’m worried that because I’m not skilled at one trade I’ll be stuck in the same place I was before I went to school.  On my own I’ve done lots of small building projects including building my own cabin, renovating a bedroom and building my own furniture.  Any suggestions as to the best way to find a good contractor and how to get my foot in the door would be very helpful.  Also I don’t know if its just me but the GC’s I’ve worked for and carpenters I’ve helped have usually had wicked tempers.  Is this part of the job for them?  I’m young, I’m not a master carpenter so I’m going to make mistakes and when I do I don’t need to be yelled at for 45 min.  All I need is to be shown where I went wrong and how I should fix it.  I’m looking for a small custom home building company to give me a chance.  I work hard, always show up on time, and learn quickly.  I’m not looking to make alot of money but am more concerned with learning alot. 

Thanks for your help,

Will

Forgot to say I’m moving to Muskoka, Ontario when finished school.  Its 2 hours north of Toronto.  Cottage country.