Red Seal welder Karl Plautz certainly fits the title of journeyman, having worked in many regions in BC and Alberta and with various industries.
His diverse work background, along with his experience as an instructor and administrator in post-secondary, makes him a perfect fit for the welding programs at 狈滨颁鈥檚 Campbell River campus. He will be teaching the next intake of the Welder Foundation Harmonized certificate, which begins at the end of January.
鈥淚鈥檓 excited to get back into the classroom and the shops with the students,鈥� said Plautz. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so rewarding to help new tradespeople learn the skills that will allow them to succeed.鈥�
Welding is in his blood 鈥� both his father and uncle worked in the trade.
鈥淲elding lets you create but at the same time you need to problem solve,鈥� said Plautz. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what I like about it.鈥�
Prior to joining NIC, Plautz served as the associate dean of Trades and Technologies with the College of New Caledonia, instructing both welding and metal fabrication for nine years. His background also includes working in the mining, pulp and paper and oil extraction industries on a variety of different projects.
That variety helped Plautz develop problem solving and troubleshooting skills, something he wants to ensure his students develop.
鈥淭hey need to visualize the project and develop a strategy to move forward rather than having somebody tell them how to do it,鈥� said Plautz. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 just as important as knowing the different types of welds, oxy-fuel cutting and blue-print reading. That, combined with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn can really help you excel in the trades.鈥�
As an instructor, his greatest satisfaction is when a struggling student has that moment where everything clicks into place.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 when the student gets the concept you鈥檙e trying to teach and the lightbulb comes on,鈥� said Plautz. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the most rewarding part of being an instructor because you鈥檝e been able get through to that one student.鈥�
狈滨颁鈥檚 Welder Foundation Harmonized certificate begins at the end of January.
To learn more, or to apply, visit: .
Media Contact C: 250-207-6946 media@nic.bc.ca