Ryan Coop’s journey in the skilled trades began in Grade 12 when he decided to pursue a plumbing apprenticeship within the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. What started as an introduction to the field would later come full circle, leading him back to the classroom, not as a student, but as a teacher shaping the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Through dedication, hard work, and years of service in the plumbing industry, Coop earned his Red Seal certification, a nationally recognized mark of excellence in the skilled trades. As his career advanced, he found a passion for mentorship, helping apprentices connect hands-on skills with theoretical knowledge.

“Helping apprentices make connections between the practical installation and the theoretical concepts was incredibly rewarding,” said Coop. “The influence a teacher and mentor have on a student and apprentice is far more powerful than many mentors in industry understand.”

Inspired by the impact that a mentor can make, Coop decided to explore teaching as a second career path, eventually leading him to the Bachelor of Education - Diploma in Technological Studies program at the University of Windsor in 2019.

After completing his first summer in the program, Coop was able to secure a role as a construction technology teacher with the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board. Since then, he has been a pivotal figure in skilled trades education and now works as the lead secondary teacher at the St. Anne Catholic Skilled Trades Academy and Learning Centre, helping secondary students planning for careers in the skilled trades.

“The centre houses four different trade offerings, all taught by Red Seal qualified instructors in their respective skilled trades,” Coop said. “I feel fortunate to be the lead for one of the first programs offered at the facility and to have witnessed the incredible growth of the facility and programming.”

In his role, Coop works closely with a team of educators, consultants, administrators, and senior administrators, directly supporting the growth and development of programming in the academy.

He said that his favourite part of the job is the impact he can have on a student’s journey.

“I have worked with students who struggled to see their potential, become passionate leaders, graduate with their diploma, complete their first apprenticeship requirements and log thousands of hours in the field,” said Coop. “I am incredibly passionate about fully investing in my students and providing them with the reassurance that they have great potential.”

As the classroom evolves, Coop emphasizes the importance of continuing education to maintain a standard of excellence in the classroom.

“I regularly meet with contractors in industry to ensure that my students are meeting expectations and are coming prepared with the skills they need to be successful in the modern workplace,” said Coop. “Attending skilled trade specific training sessions, industry trade shows, and establishing a network of mentors and educators has helped fuel my passion for keeping my students engaged.”

His greatest hope is that his students remember him as someone who believed in them.

“I hope that as they progress through their career and life, they believe in themselves because of the confidence they were able to develop in a safe, inclusive, and accepting environment. I sincerely hope they continue to feel pride and share their accomplishments with me, that they carry forward the lessons of mentorship, inspiring and guiding the next generation of skilled trades professional.”

Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5 to 9, is a time to express gratitude to the educators who inspire, guide, and shape the future generations.