Sunday, December 1, 2019

Local Student Helps to Build Hospital’s Future

“It’s exhilarating to think I’m helping to build a better healthcare experience for my community.”

This is just one highlight for Hillary Gerritsen as she recounts her experience working for J.M.R. Electric Ltd. Hillary is a local student at Brockville Collegiate Institute where she is enrolled in the school’s co-op learning program. Hillary was placed with J.M.R. Electric where she has been learning the electrical trade while working on the construction site at Brockville General Hospital’s (BGH) Charles Street site.

“I love hands-on learning,” said Hillary. “And the things I was learning in my regular classes weren’t going to help me for my future. I wanted to learn what it was like to work in the real world and do work that was fulfilling to me. Which is why I sought out co-op.”

Hillary’s placement began in March 2019 and for the next three months she worked alongside J.M.R.’s electricians to learn new skills, all while helping to build BGH’s patient tower.

“Hillary’s enthusiasm is second to none,” said Phil Bornath, J.M.R. Electric site foreman. “She is a great example to everyone on the site with her desire and passion to learn.”

After the required three months for her placement, Hillary still had the desire to learn and grow.

“Once I finished my placement, I asked if I could stay on for the summer,” explained Hillary. “I wanted to gain more experience, plus I figured my days are better spent helping to build a hospital rather than lounging around all summer.”

Hillary’s passion to continue working on the hospital’s tower comes not only from her drive to learn, but from her connection to BGH. Her mother, Jessica Gerritsen, is a long-time staff member.

“My mom working here was certainly an added incentive to work on the BGH construction site,” Hillary explained. “It’s a great opportunity to learn, plus I get to have lunch with my mom, which is great!”

With the new school year in full swing, Hillary is continuing her co-op learning with J.M.R. Electric.

“J.M.R. have been fantastic to work for,” finished Hillary. “When I started there was some hesitation on my part because I’m young and knew very little about electrical work. Also as a woman entering a male-dominated field, it was a little daunting.”

“But all the guys were super welcoming and helpful. They took these complex ways of doing things and broke them down to simple steps, which helped me learn. They really made me feel welcomed and appreciated. Working with everyone has been a great experience.”

“J.M.R.’s co-op program allows students the exposure of our mechanical and electrical trades,” said Steven Rasenberg, vice-president of operations for J.M.R. “Once exposed they are generally bitten by the construction bug! Our co-op program also allows J.M.R. to engage further into the local community where students are vetted and hired based on merit. Make no mistake, Hillary has earned her co-op placement with J.M.R. We are extremely pleased with Hilary’s growth and look forward to the next steps of her career development.”

Reprinted with permission from Brockville General Hospital.

Hillary Gerritsen is visited by her mother, Jessica Gerritsen, continuous performance specialist at the hospital, inside BGH’s future patient tower. Hillary is exhilarated to be helping build a better healthcare experience for her community.

Local Student Helps to Build Hospital’s Future

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