Jesse Johnstone didn’t start his career with a clear roadmap. He worked in warehousing, landscaping, and roofing before moving into framing and building custom homes. But everything changed after a workplace injury while framing houses; an event that ultimately led Jesse to pivot toward a new path.
With support from WSIB and a long-standing interest in civil engineering, Jesse enrolled in the Civil Engineering program at Georgian College.
Returning to school as an adult was a daunting prospect, but Jesse found it to be a completely different experience compared to high school. He felt that going back to school as an adult, with a clear goal in mind and a purpose, made it a much easier and rewarding process compared to his time in high school. He knew what he wanted to accomplish, and once he got into the swing of things, it felt easy.
After graduating, he began working with a heavy civil contractor in Toronto. At the time, Jesse was living in Midland and wanted to find work closer to home that aligned more with his passions. That search led him to Tatham Engineering.
The transition from carpenter to office professional came with its own learning curve. Fortunately, his first role at Tatham as a construction inspector, kept him in the field full-time, easing the shift. Over time, he gradually took on more office-based responsibilities as his role grew, allowing him to adapt at a comfortable pace.
These days, Jesse spends most of his time in the office as Group Leader – Construction, though he still gets out for site meetings and visits occasionally. While he appreciates the change, he admits he misses being out in the field and takes every opportunity to get back on-site.
Jesse has some heartfelt advice for anyone considering a career change, especially those recovering from a workplace injury or thinking about leaving the trades:
“The hardest part is just taking the chance. There’s always that voice in your head saying, ‘I don’t know if I can do this.’ But if you don’t try, you’ll never know. It’s better to try and realize it’s not for you than to look back ten years from now and wish you had.”
With nearly 30 years in the construction industry, Jesse has seen a lot of change, especially in health and safety. He’s been an active member of Tatham Engineering’s Health and Safety Committee since he joined, helping to make safety a top priority.
Another shift he’s noticed is the growing presence of women in construction. He noted that when he started out nearly three decades ago, the industry was male dominated. Now, he’s seeing more women both in the field and in the office, taking on jobs from engineers to inspection staff to general contractors. As a father of two daughters, it’s a welcoming sign for Jesse that they have these opportunities that may not have existed in the past.
When it comes to working and living in Simcoe County, Jesse doesn’t hesitate. “There’s no place I’d rather be,” he said. “Simcoe County has everything I need.”