Malcolm Matwijec - 20

Biography  

In grade 12, my high school, Bear Creek Secondary School, had a heavy equipment co-op. Keith Jackson, the teacher of the course, recommended I take it, I got my placement at Battlefield Cat in Barrie, and have been hooked for the past three years. My career goal is to get my Red Seal and be the best that I can be. 

I got involved with skills competitions when my teacher, Angelo Spano, told the class that Centennial College was having a heavy equipment competition. I ended up winning that, and then the Skills Ontario Provincial Competition, and now the Skills Canada National Competition. The competitions have given me the opportunity to express my passion about heavy equipment and to appreciate all of my mentors at work and Centennial College.  

Interesting Fact 

My biggest inspiration is Scott Macdonald, a licensed heavy equipment mechanic at my shop. He has an ability to constantly learn, with a work ethic that is second to none. 

Skills for Success

Problem solving is the skill that’s been instrumental for me in training and during the competition. In the heavy equipment rental industry, sometimes what is asked doesn’t seem possible, so you learn how to deal with problems in a fast-paced, highly demanding environment. A skill I think is important to improve is writing, my weakest link, as I have to fill out work orders in a way that can be easily understood by peers, service writers, and customers.