It’s hard to find someone as positive and easy-going as Bailey McMillan, but maybe that’s because he has the world by the tail. We caught up with him recently to find out why he chose a career in construction and what life is like working with the MAC Renovations crew. (Update – Bailey is now a full-fledged, Red Seal carpenter, bringing his skills and positivity to the MAC Renovation job sites every day!)
Learning on the Job
MAC Renovations is a busy home renovation and remodelling crew serving Greater Victoria, and the opportunities to learn while you earn have never been better. “A lot of my job,” shared Bailey, “I learned from firsthand experience. Working on big timber frame projects, building a garage from the ground up, and figuring out the angles and cuts for the finishing carpentry trim work. I couldn’t have learned that from a book: it needs hands-on experience to really understand it.”
A typical day in the life of Bailey
Each day starts out about the same: an early coffee followed by a drive from Sooke to the project. Once on the site, Bailey will check in with the crew to get the positive vibes flowing. “You spend every day with the same crew, so it’s good to have some genuine conversation to get to know the guys,” he said.
He’ll check in with the lead carpenter to see what the plan is for the day, then set up the tools, turn on the tunes, and get the day flowing with the right energy. A quick lunch and some more chat, and then it’s back on the tools for the rest of the day. “I love that I get to learn from every single person I work with,” said Bailey. “Everyone can teach you something different every day. That’s what got me to where I am today, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of everyone along the way.”
A Supportive Team
“Watching Bailley progress through his apprenticeship is very rewarding, personally and professionally,” shared Blaise McDonald, owner and president of MAC Renovations. “He started with us as an energetic teen, and It’s fascinating to watch him work with the crew and the homeowners. He has an excellent outlook on life, and it’s pretty clear that he loves what he does. We’re very fortunate to have him on our team and look forward to working with him for a long and prosperous career.”
Be Curious
Continuing education is one of our core values at MAC Renovation, and Bailley is an excellent example of this essential mindset. He completed his entire apprenticeship with us, and still continues to learn and grow.
Interested in a Career in the Trades?
The Industry Training Authority (ITA) of BC is working with employers throughout the province to issue credentials, support apprenticeships, fund programs, and develop opportunities in the trades. If you enjoy working on projects that will be loved for generations, a career in construction might be what you’re looking for.
Are You MAC Material?
Interested in what a career with MAC Renovations in Victoria might be like? Check out our postings on Indeed, and if you like what you see, send us your info so we can schedule a chat.