Tim Wilkinson

About me

I was born/grew up in: Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

I now live in: Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

I completed my training/education at: Humber College and UA Local 46

What I do at work

I trouble shoot problems. I get called when something does not work. Then I have to figure out why it is not working and then fix the problem. During any given day I can be doing anything from changing out parts on a plumbing fixture to smashing walls to find out where leaks are coming from. The best part is that every day is that it is different from the last. When I’m on a job, my decision making and problem solving strategy is to fix the biggest problem first. Then find out why it happened and figure out how to prevent it from happening again. For example if there is a leak because of a frozen pipe, stop the leak and find out why and fix it so it won’t freeze again.

I use a lot of basic math in my job. Using geometry is a big part of the work I do. We use a lot of specialized equipment such as drain machines, chipping guns, drills and threading machines. These are all designed for doing plumbing work.

My career path is

The only words that can explain how I got to this position are “hard work”. I have always been seeking the next step, a job that I am not stuck doing the same task. I have been doing school from the time I started my apprenticeship. I completed and did all three levels for welding and plumbing. I have participated in night school completing various courses. I’m always learning and I never turn down any opportunity to learn new things.

I am motivated by

I love my job, because I am doing something that is challenging and very rewarding. I take a building that was nothing or had problems with the plumbing and make it work. I work on a different task every day and get to travel behind the scenes in a lot of Toronto’s oldest land marks.

How I affect peoples’ lives

I do a specialized job that is not for everyone. I help to keep a standard of living that people do not always respect or know about. The health and safety of a lot of people is the biggest part of my job. I ensure that codes are up to par, so that in no way can the drinking water we all share can be tainted.

Outside of work I

I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love the outdoors - camping, hiking, hunting and fishing.

My advice to others

Take small steps and learn everything you can. I started off at home depot now I’m working for the city of Toronto.