Apprentice Spotlight | Bryce Mayer

Bryce Mayer, J.D. Eckman, Inc.
Carpentry 3A

What made you choose the trade you are learning?
I chose the carpenter trade because my company offered two programs through ABC: carpenter and operator. It was easier to get a spot in the carpenter trade than the operator one due to availability at the time.

What is one thing that surprised you about the trade you are learning?
What surprises me the most is the difference between our company’s carpentry and what most would consider actual carpentry taught in class. We mainly deal with rough carpentry, primarily 1/8″ and not 1/16″. We also deal a lot with concrete for bridges/roadways.

What is your favorite thing you have learned in your apprenticeship program so far?
My favorite thing I’ve learned in class is coping trim. I wasn’t good at it, as I’d never done it before, but I did enjoy it.

What motivates you to work hard?
My motivation comes down to my work ethic; if a job needs to be done, I get it done with no complaints. I don’t go to work, not expecting to get my hands dirty.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I still see myself with my current company, J.D Eckman. Maybe I will start moving up, position-wise,  if the opportunity arises.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I usually go out on the water in my free time if the temperatures are decent. I also enjoy working on my vehicles. During the winter months, I rebuild my PWC for the next season. I also dabble on the computer and teach myself CAD as a hobby for a CNC mill that I restored.

Are you a morning person or a night person?
I am a night person to the point where I sleep better during the day. I prefer the less busyness of the city. During the summer, I especially like working at night due to the lower temperatures.