More than just a backup plan
7/27/2010 9:19:05 AM
Waking up to a reality check is what pushed Greg Bursey of Corner Brook to further his education.
Bursey realized one day that although he had a secure job in Ontario, if he lost his position he wouldn’t have anything to fall back on. So he decided to move his family back to Newfoundland and hit the books. He figured he should enjoy his new career and make sure it was something to which he could relate.
“Growing up, I always worked on something with an engine. I researched schools that offered truck transport and heavy equipment mechanics courses and I asked around at various employers to see what school would suit my needs, and what school would be the most reputable. Needless to say, College of the North Atlantic (CNA) was the best choice for me,” says Bursey.
He enrolled in the program at the Bay St. George campus in September 2006, graduating in November 2007. Bursey received the President’s Medal for achieving the highest marks of the graduating class for that year and relayed it into full time employment in the truck/transport mechanic field immediately after graduation.
“I am currently working full time at Harvey & Company Ltd. in Corner Brook. We are the international dealership and Cummins warranty repair facility for Western Newfoundland. I strongly believe that if I did not do the Truck and Transport Mechanic program at CNA, I would not have this job. My employer strongly encourages apprenticeship programs and furthering education.”
Bursey went back to CNA recently and finished blocks three and four of the advanced level of the program. He has learned more about engines and fuel systems, electronic systems and other aspects that will help him further his career.
“I have to say that one of my instructors, Gregg Cutler, was a big influence to me. He was always calm, helpful, and very good to learn from. He has many years of experience and loves to share this knowledge and it shows through his teaching skills. If he didn’t have an answer right away, he would find it for you hands down,” comments Bursey.
Cutler believes Bursey was an ideal student, one that had plenty of determination.
“His interest in all aspects of learning caught the attention of his peers; therefore from an instructors view I was very pleased to have a student of this calibre in this program. Driven by his determination, Greg also excelled in the detailed aspect of how mechanical functions work; this of course was a factor in his gaining employment immediately after graduation. He was the ideal student which is in demand by industry,” he explains.
With his reality check behind him and armed with a great education, Bursey’s future is bright. He has a career that he enjoys and an unwavering attitude about what he has become.
“I would strongly recommend the Truck and Transport program to anyone. The success for finding a job is great; the program is reputable and recognized all over Canada. So instead of walking into an interview and someone saying ‘why should I hire you?’ you can say ‘why should I work here?’ It gives you a sense of security knowing what you have to offer.”
-30-
Media Contact:
Roger Hulan
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
(709) 643-7938
roger.hulan@cna.nl.ca