Robert Forrest | 3rd year Carpenter Apprentice for Zenith Tech
YEARS AT WALBEC: 3
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION: Trade school; Final year of carpenter apprenticeship
What do you do on a day-to-day basis at your job?
Each day, I arrive early for our crew huddle to discuss the plan for the day and any safety precautions. Every bridge project requires concrete forms of all shapes and sizes to support wet concrete. I build and assemble both wood and steel forms in the field, construct other support features of bridges, and sometimes help pour concrete. Once the concrete has been poured and set, I strip the falsework and forms. As a carpenter, I am involved in any construction activity that involves wood!
How did you arrive at your current position? What was your professional or career path?
I was looking for a career that would allow me to gain the education and training I need to succeed in heavy highway construction. I also wanted to earn financial freedom with work that I enjoy. I completed the TrANS Roadbuilding Training Program at WRTP | BIG STEP, an intensive road construction preparation program that prepared me to step into an apprenticeship with Zenith Tech.
What is the best part about your job?
I enjoy the variety each day provides and how much we accomplish. Our Zenith Tech crew is amazing, and I learn something new each day.