For many graduating students, it takes years — decades, even — to launch a career. Still in their last year of high school, two Hamilton co-op students have landed full-time, unionized jobs in construction.

“I feel like I got a good head start on everybody else,” said Matthew Marchewka, a Grade 12 student at St. John Henry Newman Catholic School. “I’ve always been interested in working with my hands. I don’t really want to sit down at a desk or anything all day.”

Co-op students Marchewka, 17, and Justin Brands, 18, were hired by Grimsby Utility Construction Inc. (GUCI) and signed to the LIUNA Local 837 union on May 10 — weeks before they are expected to graduate from high school — after completing a construction apprenticeship in partnership with the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).

“You can’t really lose with this opportunity,” said Lisa Owens, Marchewka’s co-op teacher. “He’s made great money, he’s gathered so many skills and he actually will have a pension for life.”

Owens said while some work placements were cancelled amid the pandemic, those at essential services were “going full force.” “The trades are in such demand with builds and renos,” she said. “Those projects are still going on.”

The students are currently working at a job site in Flamborough installing Bell Fibe, where every morning starts off with a “pep talk” to go over safety and equipment, Brands said.

“Some days I could be doing topsoil, some days I’ll be splicing lines or laying cable,” said the Ancaster High Secondary School student. “Because I’m new, they’re kind of putting me here and there just getting used to everything.”

Brands said construction appealed to him because of the variety. “It’s pretty straightforward work, but it always changes,” he said.

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