A Journeyperson's Guide to Coaching an Apprentice

As a certified journeyperson, you play a critical role in shaping the next generation of your trade. But training an apprentice isn’t always straightforward, especially when you’re balancing your own work responsibilities with mentoring someone new.

This course gives you practical tools and strategies to coach, support, and motivate apprentices on the job. You’ll learn how to work with different learning styles and personalities, assess skill levels, and provide the kind of feedback that helps apprentices grow, no matter what challenges come up on the job.

Topics:

• Roles and responsibilities of both the journeyperson and the apprentice
• Balancing your own productivity while mentoring
• Coaching approaches for different learning styles and personalities
• How to assess skills and give feedback that builds confidence and competence
• Tips and resources to support you in your role as a coach

All journeypersons, from any trade, that work with an apprentice.

Chris Erbus, Operations Manager, Graham Construction

Chris Erbus is the Operations Manager with Graham Construction. Chris started work in the construction industry as a carpenter and quickly learned he enjoyed managing teams on various types of projects. While completing his apprenticeship, Chris studied at Red River College and completed the Building Construction Technician program, Drafting/CAD and is a graduate of WCA’s Building Supervisors for Tomorrow program. To date he has completed his Gold Seal Certification as Superintendent and his LEED Green Associate accreditation.

Working on many high-profile jobsites and marquee projects, including True North Square, Ikea and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights has helped develop Chris’ skills at schedule development and planning, which is now one of his areas of expertise. He believes the delivery of a successful project, on-time, incident-free and with a high level of quality, hinges on how well-planned it is. He also believes in constant improvement and the need to embrace change, new technology and techniques. Chris helped roll out the Last Planner® System in PCL’s Winnipeg District, has contributed to the development of PCL Manitoba’s Superintendents guide and has worked on other internal Lean initiatives.

Teaching and mentoring is a large part of what Chris does and he enjoys helping others develop their passion for construction. Chris is a judge each year at Skills Manitoba and the Red River College Carpentry competitions to help promote excellence in the trades. Community involvement is also important to Chris and he is involved with the United Way GenNext and regularly volunteers at Winnipeg Harvest. Leading by example is one of his core values.