Milwaukee Tools Apprentice of The Month - Chris McMaster
One of the hallmarks of the recipient of apprentice of the month is that it tends to be awarded to those who don’t seek it. Those apprentices who are in the field, plying their trade and learning how to become the best journeymen possible without seeking praise are those that often most deserve this much-coveted award. It is with that in mind we award apprentice of the month to fourth-year Chris McMaster.
“It’s about understanding our scope of work,” says Chris about what makes this career so appealing. “We never get bored, we have work left and right, and we have to continue clawing at the ground we’ve made. And I have skills I can use to fix things that I can play with for the rest of my life.”
Not content to excel in the field, Chris has also made himself a presence in the classroom as both someone who can absorb the curriculum but also bring a lighthearted attitude to the JATC.
“It’s rare to have someone who is both the class clown and top of the class,” says Brendan Nelson, fourth year instructor. “Chris never fails to liven up class and is a great student, always helping his peers.”
Consistency is key for Chris and his own feelings show that if you’re going to go to work, you better be prepared to do your job and do it well.
“Schedules exist for a reason, and you’ve got to follow through, hold up your end of the bargain,” says Chris. “If you do good work, it enhances our ability to ask for more. You do bad work; it takes more people to do that work correctly.”
In the field, Chris makes it a point to take in as much information from his journeyman as possible and in so doing become the best journeyman he can be.
“He’s a solid guy, good apprentice,” says Mark Tillery, a journeyman Chris has worked with extensively. “He’s always willing to help anybody else whether he’s working with them or not. He’s going to be a good asset to the Union.”
“Productivity is huge, but only half the equation,” says Chris when asked if he has advice for younger apprentices. “Quality takes patience. I always try to find the person who is the most knowledgeable and I learn as much as I can from them.”
For his hard work, Chris will receive a PACKOUT bag and hand tools from Milwaukee Tools and congratulations from the JATC and its staff.