Graduate Spotlight: Joseph Dooher

For Joseph Dooher, a career in the trades is a family matter. His father runs his own handyman business, and Joseph’s goal is to do the same. With that in mind, he has completed the Carpentry and Renovation Technician program at Durham College and is ready to collect his diploma at Convocation in June.

With the future on his mind, Joseph spoke to us about the value of a hands-on education and why learning more than one trade is so important.

Why did you decide to attend Durham College?

I chose Durham College because of its proximity to home, but more importantly because of the Carpentry and Renovation program. Prior to this, I completed a year in mechanical engineering. While I performed well academically, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands, and the hands-on, varied nature of this program immediately stood out. The opportunity to learn multiple trades within one well-rounded program made DC the right choice for me.

What was your DC experience like?

Overall, my experience at DC was very positive. My classes were engaging, and I appreciated the strong focus on teamwork and collaboration. While field work placements could be challenging to secure, they provided valuable, real-world, on-the-job experience. Outside of the classroom, there were plenty of opportunities to get involved socially. It made me feel very welcomed.

How did your DC program prepare you for your career?

The combination of knowledgeable professors, hands-on projects, teamwork, and field work has prepared me well for the next step in my career. I gained practical skills such as providing customer quotes, understanding permit laws and applications, job site safety, and proper tool use. Learning how to work effectively with others on real projects has been especially valuable. Overall, the program offers a well-rounded experience that closely reflects real-world industry expectations.

Would you recommend your DC program to other students?

Absolutely. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in the trades, especially if they’re unsure about focusing on one specific area right away. The variety within the program allows you to explore different aspects of the trades and quickly discover what you enjoy most. That experience is incredibly beneficial when starting your career.

What is your advice for future students?

My advice would be to take full advantage of everything DC has to offer. This includes meeting new people, using on-campus facilities like the gym, exploring food options, participating in social activities, and building relationships with professors. I would also strongly recommend making good use of the DC Connect platform, as it provides valuable resources such as study materials, lessons, examples, and calendars that help you stay organized and on track throughout the semester.

What do you love most about DC?

What I love most is the sense of community. I made friendships that I expect will last a lifetime, and I truly felt like I belonged. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and will always be proud to be a DC graduate.

How do you feel about graduating?

I feel both excited and a little sad as I approach graduation. I’ll miss the day-to-day interactions with my professors, several of whom had a strong impact on my learning and personal growth. I’m grateful for the opportunities I had to learn from them and wish I had even more time to do so.

What are your future goals?

For the past five years, I’ve worked alongside my father in his handyman business. As he prepares to retire, my long-term goal is to eventually run my own business, following in his footsteps. In the short term, I want to continue gaining real-world experience. I’ve been volunteering with the Canadian Tank Museum for several years and was fortunate to secure my field placement assisting with their renovations. I hope to continue contributing to this project, as the museum plays an important role in preserving Canadian history.

Every year, DC celebrates thousands of career-ready graduates. Read more grad stories about how DC has helped them thrive.