There’s not much in the lumber business that I haven’t seen or done.As a young boy, I decided to become a woodsman. Sadly, a major accident forced me to leave the woods and look for other work.This is the story of how Essential Skills helped me cope with this sudden change and make my life better.
Continuous learning has always been a part of my life.When I was very young,
I went to work in the woods to help support my family. My brother and I learned
how to cut fence posts and firewood. I learned all there was to know about the
logging business, from building a brow at the side of the road to the science
of tree cutting.
At 43, my life changed completely. I had a major accident which forced me to
get a job indoors.That’s when I learned about Essential Skills. With the
support of my employer and the Nova Scotia Department of Education, I learned
how to read and write. Now I can read documents and graphs at work, and contribute
to the company newsletter.
I have even written a book about my life in the woods, which is very popular with the local Grade 3 students.They love to read about how I chopped down trees. I’m even planning a sequel - something my grandchildren are really looking forward to.
Improving my Essential Skills has given me more than I had ever dreamed of. Even though I can no longer work as a woodsman, I have a new way of sharing my passion and love for life in the woods with others.