At first glance, the industrial mechanic (millwright) trade and judo might not appear to have much in common. But for Adrian, a Mohawk College student and Schulich Builders Scholarship recipient, they are closely connected—and demand the same enterprising mindset.
Adrian’s scholarship application included an endorsement from his mentor and coach, former Olympian Kimberly Ribble-Orr. Whether he’s training for competition or solving problems in the workshop, Adrian is constantly pushing himself in new ways. He’s also learned to navigate challenges in both sport and school, from living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis to strengthening his skills in subjects like math and science. These experiences continue to shape how he approaches trade work and judo alike.
As he works toward earning his Manufacturing Engineering Technician - Automation (Industrial Mechanic Millwright) diploma and competing nationally in judo, Adrian says both paths require resilience and consistency.
“Every day, maybe you aren’t able to give it everything, but you give consistent bouts of effort in everything that you do,” he says. “You just keep going and slowly make your way to where you need to be. There’s a philosophy called ‘kaizen’ that is talked about a lot in Japanese martial arts, which makes a lot of sense. It is the slow progression in becoming better in small, very minute increments.”
Built for the trades
That foundation was built over a long period. Growing up with a millwright grandfather, Adrian says being handy runs in the family, and he has always enjoyed working with his hands and coming up with creative solutions. Combining those qualities with a rising demand for skilled trades made manufacturing an obvious choice.
A high school manufacturing class helped confirm Adrian’s decision to pursue the trades. It was also where a teacher encouraged him to apply for the Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades. Each year, 120 scholarships are awarded; $20,000 for one-year certificate programs and $40,000 for two-year diplomas, such as the Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) program. With support from his school and coach, Adrian decided to go for it.
“It’s a result of what it means to really work hard and put your mind to something,” says Adrian. “It goes to show people are going to support you every step of the way. People that I never thought I would be in the same room with or working alongside have pushed me to where I need to be.”
The scholarship has also given Adrian the financial stability to focus on his goals, both academically and athletically, without the added worry of expenses.
Industry-led learning for results
While he values his support system, Adrian knows that the responsibility to succeed ultimately rests with him. At Mohawk College, he’s putting that drive to work through practical, industry-led learning.
In classrooms designed to mirror real environments, Adrian is honing the technical skills and problem-solving abilities needed for the trade. Working with tools such as lathes, milling machines and automated systems, he’s learning to interpret blueprints, take precise measurements and troubleshoot issues. The work combines theory and practice, while also exposing Adrian to areas like electrical circuits, PLC programming and welding.
“You’re dealing with fully automated milling machines and lathes, and it gets fun,” he says. “Obviously, it’s a lot of work, but what really shines is that you’re given a problem, and then you’re figuring out ways to solve it. Courses are structured in a way where everything makes sense and has a purpose.”
Beyond the classroom, the Millwright program also simplifies the pathway into the trade. Graduates are exempt from the in-school training component of the Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) apprenticeship, and co-op students may also earn valuable apprenticeship hours.
Through that hands-on, industry-led learning, Adrian sees the full picture of how skills, experience and connections all come together to support his growth.
“Mohawk has shown me all the necessary work and theory required to be successful in my field,” he says. “Professors are experienced, and I have learned all the skills which will help me in the millwright field. Networking, meeting like-minded individuals and working on something new each day are also components that help me grow.”
Whether he’s welding in the shop or pushing himself on the mat, Adrian is proving how far determination and great mentorship can take you. Backed by the Schulich Builders Scholarship and the practical, industry-led learning at Mohawk College, he’s doing more than training for a career in the skilled trades, he’s forging his future one step at a time.
