CTV WINNIPEG -- Jonathon Anderson is a qualified tradesman. At 26 years of age, he's the first Deaf Canadian iron worker with a red seal certificate.The national designation lets qualified tradespeople use their skills anywhere in the country, something Anderson said he’s very proud of.
“I'm very happy to be doing what I am doing,” Anderson explained using American Sign Language. “I love my job."
Anderson was diagnosed as Deaf shortly after his first birthday, when his parents noticed he was sleeping through loud noises.
His parents said he never let his hearing impairment get in the way of what he wanted to do.
“He learned to adapt, he couldn't hear but he always had his way of communicating," his mother Bertha Anderson said.
Growing up in Winnipeg, Anderson attended the Manitoba School for the Deaf and St.James Collegiate.
According to his mother, Anderson played hockey and football with the help of an interpreter and by finding unique ways to communicate with his teammates.
“The coaches would often write on the white board to help with the communication,” she said.
Anderson attended Red River College where he earned his iron working qualifications.
Last spring he took his red seal examination and passed.
On Sunday family, friends and mentors gathered at Union Centre to celebrate Anderson’s achievement.
Throughout his career Anderson has worked across the country, but his most significant job was at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
It’s the building he is most proud to have helped build.
"My parents will say my son helped build that building and my sons will say daddy worked there," he explained.
Anderson has also worked on many other buildings in the city, including the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, University of Manitoba and True North Square.
He hopes what he has accomplished will inspire youth who also live with a hearing impairment to chase their dreams.
"I want to show people that Deaf people can work with people who are not Deaf," Anderson said.
“You can succeed and prove them wrong if they say you can’t, show them that you can."
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