Nikolaus Jakubinek
“Commitment and studying is what you have to do. I promise it’s very gratifying and self-fulfilling.”
Nikolaus Jakubinek, GSC, Occupational Health and Safety Manager, CYMI Canada
Nikolaus is an Occupational Health and Safety Manager at CYMI Canada, currently tasked to the catenary Line Installation (Ottawa Light Rail). When Nikolaus’s career began, he was a gas fitter. However, the company he worked for, at that time had a high frequency of injuries. They requested someone to volunteer themselves and take on the responsibility of health and safety. After being certified by the IHSA (Infrastructure Health & Safety Association), Nikolaus discovered the health and safety career path really piqued his interest. He exclaimed that he doesn’t doubt that he will be in health and safety for the rest of his life.
Nikolaus discovered Gold Seal Certification through in-house advertising found at his Local Construction Association (the Ottawa Construction Association). The fact alone that there was a health and safety designation that could help his career grow, motivated Nikolaus to go for the Gold.
Like many others before him, obtaining his Gold Seal Certification was not easy. Nikolaus had faced some difficulties passing the exam, despite his work experience, and completion of mandatory education required to qualify for the examination. Nevertheless, Gold Seal Certification allows candidates up to three tries to write the exam, and have services available to candidates to aid them in the process. Nikolaus resorted to contacting a third party exam reviewer, one of the many services provided by the Gold Seal Certification Program to help its candidates reach their goals. The third-party exam reviewer could – without giving away the answers to the exam – aid Nikolaus see where he could improve. When it was time to retake the exam, he passed!
Nikolaus earned his Gold Seal Certification on October 2016, due to his perseverance. He is now ecstatic about his success and already feels the benefits of his achievement. With his Gold Seal Certification in hand, Nikolaus receives recognition from his employers, who appreciate the added value he brings to the field. He also feels pride in his accomplishment and ability to persevere despite the prior disappointments. “At first I wasn’t going to continue with it. I almost quit, but I didn’t and I’m glad I didn’t”.
“Gold Seal Certification is a designation that is recognized right across Canada. It displays your knowledge in health and safety in construction, so if you’re looking for career growth, this is the way to go.”