Ed Shenton
“I felt like it was time to put something to my name, something that communicates that I’ve been doing my job for a while and I’m part of something great in the construction industry.”
Ed Shenton, GSC, Project Manager, ELAN Construction Ltd.
Ed clearly sees the benefit Gold Seal has regarding an individual’s marketability in the industry.
Ed began working in construction when he was a teenager. He remembers being persuaded into construction as a summer job and that’s where he met a very influential man that changed his life. From that fateful summer on, and with the help of his mentor, Ed’s interest for construction grew and he went to college for electronics and technological engineering. At the beginning of his career as a post-graduate, he began working for a construction sign company, doing site visits and coordination. Three years ago, however, Ed began working for his current employer ELAN Construction ltd.
Ed learnt about Gold Seal Certification through his employer. “My boss here at Elan is heavily involved with the local construction association (Calgary Construction Association). When I found out that a Gold Seal Certification was something they appreciated their employees having, I made it a point to get on with it.” Ed also described that he appreciates the ethics portion of the education offered with the certification. What is now a mandatory course, Ed found that it agrees with the way he thinks and conducts himself in the workplace.
In April 2015 Ed received his Gold Seal Certification thanks to the support from his employer at ELAN Construction Ltd. Before earning his certification Ed didn’t have much to his name in terms of professional credentials. Ed underlines the sense of personal satisfaction gained from knowing he has what it takes to pass the Gold Seal Exam; this means to him– and many more around the country– that he meets the standard for excellence in his field. Furthermore, it’s made him a more employable person, it shows his employer that he’s motivated and interested in his work and it looks great on his resume. In total, Ed feels a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, which is wonderful in our opinion.
“I’d recommend you get your Gold Seal Certification. The GSC is important, the more people that take that step, the more legitimacy the certification has, the higher up you will be held and the more excellence in the field will be an industry standard. Go out and get it, make sure you use it as an awareness and sales tool when dealing with your clients.”