Gabriel Gniot graduated from WRTP | BIG STEP’s Entry Level Construction Skills (ELCS) program in 2022 and is currently a carpenter apprentice with Selzer-Ornst.
From a young age, he always had a passion for working with his hands and creating things. Initially, he had aspirations of becoming a civil engineer, but later discovered that construction was a simpler and easier pathway to achieve his goals.
He first heard of WRTP | BIG STEP while researching how to enter the trades and was particularly drawn to the idea of earning while learning through an apprenticeship. Gabriel previously worked in the manufacturing industry, making headlights for JW Speakers, but knew he could earn and achieve more through a union apprenticeship.
He has found his experience with WRTP | BIG STEP to be extremely helpful, as the organization has played a significant role in paving the way for his career. Through the ELCS/MC3 training, he learned the core values and ethics of working in the trades, as well as earned hands-on experience creating various projects. Despite the challenges of balancing a full-time job with the program, he remained motivated by the promise of a more successful career as a tradesperson. Next, he is looking forward to forklift training.
When asked what advice he would give to others who are considering a career in the trades, Gabriel said, “Give [WRTP | BIG STEP] a chance! I didn’t know what I was really going to do out of high school. I didn’t want to go to college and accrue debt when I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life yet. Ask questions, test the waters, and see if this is something you’re looking for. It’s what I did, and I don’t regret it.”