Jordan Spergel
Construction Science & Management - T302
Graduated 2011
“I entered this field because after speaking to industry specialists, I found that this program catered particularly to what the industry was looking for in new hires for coordination and estimating.” explains Bachelor of Applied Technology graduate Jordan Spergel. “That, in addition to the mandatory 4-month Co-op placement, led me to pursue studies at George Brown College.”
Not only was Jordan involved in George Brown College’s social committee, which helped arrange activities for students outside of class time hours to socialize and relax, but he was also involved in the Head of Sub Trades - Bid Competition 2010-11. “I was responsible for overseeing the Bid Competition Sub trade Quotations Group which involved creating the sub trades quotations to be used for analysis in the Third Year Bid Competition.”
Jordan completed his mandatory 4 month co-op at BIRD Construction Group and secured employment with them upon graduation as a Construction Estimator where he spends his days drawing orders, preparing tender closings and quantity takeoffs, communicating with sub trades, and analysing sheets for closing. “The most rewarding part of my job is when we close new tenders, and are awarded the work. It is very rewarding and valuable to see your hard work come to fruition!”
Bryce Campbell
Construction Science and Management - T302
Graduated 2011
Through a friend’s recommendation, Bryce found his way to the School of Construction Management & Trades and decided to pursue studies in the Construction Science and Management - Bachelor of Applied Technology program.
Bryce completed his mandatory 4 month co-op at Trow Associates and secured employment with them (now known as Exp) soon after graduation as a Project Technologist in the Façade Group (BET).
“Everyday is different!” explains Bryce. “I could be in the office writing reports, reviewing shop drawings, preparing bid documents and proposals. I could be in the lab conducting material and system testing. I could be on-site carrying out water leakage investigations, site remediation/restoration, or Tarrion B19 Reviews and field testing.”
Luis Rodrigues
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology – T162
Graduated 1980
 Luis Rodrigues has taken his college education to the top of his field. A graduate of the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program in 1980, Rodrigues is now Vice-President at Honeywell, responsible for the national Energy Solutions division that sells and implements innovative energy systems that are guaranteed to save clients money, while being environmentally responsible. Rodrigues was also the catalyst for the industry advocacy organization Energy Services Association of Canada, created last year to actively promote government policies and regulatory support for the use of performance-based energy solutions to upgrade Canada's aging infrastructure. Rodrigues serves as its Vice-Chair.
Bing Ma
Construction Engineering Technology – T105
Graduated 2005
"I received my civil engineering bachelor degree back in my home country before moving to Canada. I decided to update my Canadian knowledge to be ready for employment in Ontario and I was looking for a college like George Brown to help me achieve all I was looking  for" states Bing Ma who graduated from the Construction Engineering Technology program. “The program allowed me to know the in’s and out’s of the Canadian construction industry quick!”
Soon after graduation, Bing secured a position with Aecon Construction Group  as a Senior Estimator where he spends his days interpreting project drawing specifications, assessing contract documents, preparing detailed cost estimates of construction requirements, assembling tender packages, selecting sub-contractors, and negotiating change orders and the assessment of claims.
For Bing, “the most rewarding part of my job is a sense of pride and satisfaction that comes from a successful implementation, securing and winning a project!”
Blaine Attwood
Construction Science & Management - T302
Graduated 2009
“The co-op experience prepared me for my career and helped me decide where I wanted to go with my college degree.” explains Bachelor of Applied Technology graduate Blaine Attwood. “By having the co-op term in between semesters, I additionally benefited by connecting my real world work with learning in the classroom”
Blaine completed his mandatory 4 month co-op at ASCO Construction Ltd. “I worked as a Site Safety & LEED Project Coordinator. A typical day would consist of completing daily safety inspections, meeting with health and safety committee members, creating LEED monthly reports & procedures, conducting random safety equipment inspections, and preventing workers from working in unsafe conditions.”
Education never stops for Blaine, who has successfully passed his LEED exam (obtaining LEED Accredited Professional credential status) and is currently enrolled in Ryerson University’s Building Science Masters program. ”Looking further into the future I would someday like to have my own business!”
 John Goodfellow-Jones
Plumbing Apprenticeship Program,
Graduated 2009
With every new condo tower that goes up in Toronto, Plumbing Apprenticeship Program graduate John Goodfellow-Jones is comforted by the fact that he will always have a job—and an important one at that. “I bring people water, which is essential.
It will never become obsolete,” he says.
Now 25 years old, John has enjoyed a steady rise in the plumbing field thanks in large part to George Brown. In 2005, with only six months of work experience, he was granted entry to the first level of the tri-level apprenticeship program. That eight-week learning period—usually preceded by at least a year of work experience, enabled him to get another job with a small plumbing company that services residential customers.
Read
the whole article about John Goodfellow-Jones
Jeff deGroot Construction Engineering Technology T105
Graduated - 2001
“There are no typical days in the Construction Industry“explains Construction Engineering Technology graduate Jeff deGroot, who is currently employed as a Project Manager with Reinders Southpark & Associates. A day would and could consist of dealing with site issues that my Site Superintendants cannot solve, helping the estimating department with pricing of work, approving invoices, pricing and issuing change orders, dealing with client's issues, heading up our safety committee, assessing budgets, troubleshooting issues before they become issues, dealing with architects and consultants, setting schedules, pushing to meet schedules, take-offs and ordering materials.”
“The most rewarding part of my job is the tangible and visible results of my work, to see what your efforts have done to help the team get the building built, and to hand over a completed building to a happy client.”
The “real world” feel of the program was a good fit for Jeff. “George Brown has a great 'ear to the ground' in the industry and I feel prepared me as well as they could for my progression into the field. Finally having a direction in my life as to what I would do with myself, and being excited that I was working towards a career, and knowing I was getting the best education possible to prepare me for my career.”
What’s next for Jeff? “At this point, I am working towards Senior Management with Reinders Southpark & Associates, and hope to take on a high level leadership role within the next 5 years.”
Andrew Hordylan
Bachelor of Applied Technology
Graduated 2009
“After a previously unrewarding career, I knew that the field of environment and construction would be at the forefront of the industry
of tomorrow.” explains Bachelor of Applied Technology graduate
Andrew Hordylan. “Current issues of urban sprawl and climate change require future communities to be energy efficient and cost effective,
and I knew that expertise in these areas would provide for excellent employment opportunities.”
Andrew completed his mandatory 4 month co-op at The City of Brampton - Zoning Department. “It was a very enjoyable experience because I was given the opportunity to do the same work as any plans examiner and engage in exciting discussions about the interpretive nature of law. During my last summer of employment, I was responsible for designing and developing an interactive by-law data base. This role gave me the opportunity to review historical documents, which in turn was an education in the evolutions of city policy. It is an opportunity that does not come along often, and I was glad that my work was well received by the zoning staff, my Manager, the Chief Building Official, and the Commissioner of Planning, Design and Development, who I had the opportunity to present my project to.”
Education never stops for Andrew, who is now a Master’s Degree candidate at the University of Toronto studying Urban Design Studies. “It seems that my education is giving me more opportunities than I knew existed before I began this chapter of life. I definitely hope to travel more and am looking forward to a happy life with my wife of 8 years and the upcoming joy of our expectant child.”
Neil McGovern
Construction Engineering
Technology – T105
Graduated 2007
 “My most valuable experience at George Brown College was simulating an actual construction company during the third year of the program.” explains Construction Engineering
Technology graduate Neil McGovern. “We had to generate everything from permits, to field reports, changes, and even project
closeout documentation, taking a ‘construction project’ from start to end, having estimating, planning, and scheduling playing
a very close role because like everything else demonstrated in the program, it all comes down to ‘how much?’ and ‘when?’ ”
Neil was concurrently enrolled in the Mattamy Homes Management Certificate program
while completing his Construction Engineering Technology diploma. “It was a great experience, and I do
believe that a lot more co-op placements should be offered through George Brown, especially in the Industrial - Commercial - Institutional sector.”
Neil is currently employed as a Project Coordinator for PCL
Constructors Canada Inc. acting as a liaison between the Owners, Architects, and Trades people. “GBC and more specifically the Construction Engineering
Technology program, prepared me for the real world by placing me in real world situations. By simulating real world projects that we
had to price, contract, control documentation, and closeout, while of course managing ourselves, numerous projects, our groups, and recognizing
individual strengths and weaknesses.”
Education never stops for Neil, who’s now sponsored by his company to obtain his Gold Seal Certification as a Site Super. “Whether
it be self education, sponsored by my work, or even a course on the side - once you stop learning, you stop growing!”
Dominic
John Samuel Liscio
Construction Engineering Technology – T105
Graduated 2007
“The word ‘Typical’ can not be used in part of my description of a day at work” explains Construction
Engineering Technology graduate Dominic John Samuel Liscio. “There is no such thing as a typical day. That is part
of what makes my job so great, each day is filled with new tasks and challenges to overcome. My work day can range from ordering material,
price changes,  managing labor, producing schedules, organizing any subtrades and hopefully in the end make some money!”
Upon graduation Dominic started working immediately at an 860 Mega Watt natural gas-fuelled combined cycle co-generation power plant called Goreway Station. “My primary function on that particular project was to track progress and monitor productivity of the 300+ electricians on site.”
Dominic is currently employed as a Project Coordinator with Black & McDonald Ltd. managing several electrical projects located in the downtown core. “One rewarding part of my job is the surprised looks on people’s faces once I meet people face to face, as most of my dealings are via email or phone. People always tend to think I am an older person and when they meet me for the first time I always tend to take people off guard. There are not too many 22 year olds that are running multiple projects on their own. It’s a good feeling!”
Thomas Malliaros
Construction Engineering Technology - T105
Graduated 2002
“Cost controlling” states Construction Engineering Technology graduate Thomas Malliaros, “is the most rewarding part of my job because I am able to compare to my original estimate and predict future savings or cost overruns.”
Thomas is currently employed with Tridel as an Estimator, an employer he found through a job posting at George Brown College in his year of graduation.
“A typical work day for me involves analysis of tender submission, budget preparation, quantity takeoffs, cost control of concrete, rebar & labour for all active sites.”
What's next for Thomas? “Starting a family, continuing education and exploring opportunities as they come!”
 Herman R. Durazno
Construction Engineering Technology – T105
Graduated 2002
Growing up Herman R. Durazno was always fascinated by the construction industry. “I was one of those kids that played with his Legos building all kinds of structures, and as I grew up I learned more and more about it and was drawn to it. By the time I graduated high school, I knew which college and program I wanted to attend and it was George Brown.”
Herman was accepted into the 3 year Construction Engineering Technology program. “The whole experience was memorable; I made some great friends that are also in the same industry.”
Currently employed as a Construction Coordinator with GE Real Estate, Herman typically starts his day on job site locations focusing on the progress, health and safety issues of the tradespersons tasks. “Then I'm on the road to either another job site or to my office, where I answer emails, phone calls and check any issues related to my projects.”
After obtaining his Construction Engineering Technology diploma from George Brown, Herman continued on to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree from Bemidji State University. Herman is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Construction Management from North Dakota State University. “I am focused on becoming a Construction Manager, with the long range goal of teaching what I know to the future construction students!”
RICHARD BOYES
Graduated 1974
George
Brown graduate Richard Boyes started his working
life as an electrician but is now Fire Chief of the Oakville Fire Department.
Growing up as the only child of the owner of an electrical contracting business it seemed like the most natural thing in the world when Richard
Boyes decided to join the family business. After studying to be an electrician and graduating from George Brown in 1974 he headed back home to
Alliston, Ont. and Joined W.G. Boyes Contracting Ltd. and its subsidiary, Boyes Electric. Then one day he made the fateful decision to sign on
as a volunteer firefighter with the Alliston Fire Department - and ended up discovering a passion that would change his life forever. [Read
the whole article about Richard Boyes]
 JONATHAN COHEN
Bachelor of Applied Technology
Graduated 2008
“I have always been fascinated by buildings and construction. I love how they go up and how they come down.”
Jonathan Cohen is a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Applied Technology degree program
at George Brown College, a program that just seemed like a natural fit.
“I didn’t even know that I could get a bachelor’s degree from George Brown,” he said. “I was accepted into a number of universities, but a family friend who works in construction suggested I look at GBC. I spoke to the faculty and realized it was the right place for me.”
Cohen had always been interested in the business of construction and wanted an education that would position him well for a career in that field. “I wanted to go to college for the practical experience coupled with the theory you would typically get from a degree,” said Cohen. “I knew that I had the option when I was finished of either entering the workforce, or pursuing a degree.”
The teaching style and class size of the program was the right fit for Cohen. “I do very well with intimate class sizes,” he said. “At
George Brown College the instructors in the degree program know your name, you can email them and speak to them, and you’re not just a
student number.” The
instructors, who come from industry, are well connected to the construction sector. This gave Cohen and his classmates access to invaluable
resources. “In our summer vacation prior to the start of 4th year we worked “in the field” with construction companies and
brought our experiences and questions back into the classroom for discussion.”
The experience was a good one for Cohen and has already proven to be valuable. Since graduating, Cohen has been accepted into a Master’s degree program at Ryerson University in Building Sciences. This degree will allow Cohen to specialize on how buildings operate once they’re built and explore the building science principles necessary to deliver sustainable buildings. Despite this being the first graduating class from the Bachelor of Applied Technology degree program, the George Brown degree was accepted without any issues at all by Ryerson.
In fact, Cohen points out that the degree was highly acknowledged. “I was up against professionals, people who had been working in the industry for years and were coming back to do their master’s,” he said. “The competition was pretty stiff, they took a limited number of students into the program and I was one of them.
Cohen will focus his time at Ryerson on narrowing his field of study. “I have always been interested in the way building works,” he said. “I want to spend my time studying how buildings can operate more efficiently, while minimizing resources needed to keep the structure running safely.” Cohen sees himself working for a building science firm researching new techniques and products for the construction industry.
And after the Master’s? That remains to be seen. “As an ambitious 23 year old I am reluctant to close myself off to opportunities that I have yet to discover. Construction is a broad industry with lots of opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to figuring out where I fit best.”
Johan Drogell
Building Renovation Technician Program - T110
Graduated 2003
“The most rewarding part of the job is to be able to step back and look at what you have created, knowing it is going to be there way past your lifetime” says Johan, who was recently promoted to lead hand carpenter with Walder & McSweeney Contracting.
“My employer happened to be one of the two mandatory work placements in the college program. The placements gave me a chance to work with two different contractors, to get a feel for how things work on a jobsite, and how the contractors go about their business.”
Johan, who received the first ever international student scholarship for academic excellence & participation in extracurricular activities, enjoyed being part of such a mixed class of people with various work experience, age and cultures. “I still keep in touch with some of the graduates, if it is sharing work related stuff or just catching up.”
Career wise, Johan has plans to come back to school, not as a student but as a teacher this time, while still keeping one foot on the jobsite to get the best of both worlds and stay up to date. “I’ve been trained by the best and I now have so much knowledge to share with future carpenters.”
Mitchell
De Sousa
Construction Engineering Technology Program - T105
Graduated 2003
 Being brought up in Canada by Portuguese immigrant parents, Mitchell De Sousa was always pushed to “do better”, to pursue post secondary education & not to settle for anything less than success.
It had been three years since Mitchell graduated from high school and he had just been laid off from his job working at an aluminum plant. “I was a little depressed & thought to myself there has got to be a better way, there has to be something out there for me." He walked over to George Brown College the next day and registered for the Construction Engineering Technology program.
Mitchell’s field placement at Aecon Buildings opened the door for employment with the company for two years upon his graduation. “It was my first exposure to the real world, and it reinforced my ambition to enter the construction industry.”
Mitchell is currently a Construction Estimator for PCL Constructors Canada Inc. working on a Design/Build P3 Project. “The most rewarding part of my job is that life in general is way better. Having a good career and making a good income takes a lot of stress off and has lead to better quality of life for me and my family.”
“I really do consider going to George Brown one of the best decisions & investments I have ever made in my life”
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