Bennett Stableforth has fond memories of spending time with his grandfather at the cottage, learning about woodworking and making small projects together. Years later, Bennett is now working as a project manager on Limberlost Place, George Brown College’s new 10-storey mass-timber, net-zero carbon emission building, currently under construction along Toronto’s Waterfront. But like so many career paths, Bennett’s took an unexpected turn.
After graduating from Windsor University in 2008, where he received a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree, Bennett began working at IBM in communications; but it wasn’t long after starting that he realized managing IT projects wasn’t for him.
“I was thankful for full-time employment but yearned for more satisfaction and purpose in my work,” recalls Bennett.
“I knew I wanted to be a project manager, but I didn’t know in what industry," he says. "After visiting George Brown’s Casa Loma Campus to learn about the construction programs, I eagerly submitted my application. At the time, it was a difficult decision to go back to school and start a new career path, but it has been one of the best choices I’ve ever made."
Bennett was pleased to learn that certain classes from his past university degree would be applied as class credits towards his studies at George Brown College. In 2013, he graduated, earning his second degree, a Bachelor of Technology (Construction Management).
As he entered the workforce, Bennett felt prepared, well-placed, and job ready.
“George Brown provided relevant experience, work placements, industry connections, and the confidence to hit the ground running,” he says. “George Brown’s construction program was known and respected by prospective employers; I secured full-time employment soon after graduating,”
Bennett has a lot to celebrate — he is a new father and recently marked his 10th anniversary working for PCL Construction. “As a GBC grad who successfully launched a second career, I’m really proud to be working on Limberlost Place. I feel everything has come full circle for me.”
