From Co-op Student to Company Owner: Harwood Plumbing & Heating's Approach to Experiential Learning

For Adam Harwood, experiential learning isn't just something his company supports - it's how his own career began.

The Skilled Trades Regional Networks is a collaborative project between the Ministry of Education, ApprenticeSearch.com, and Skills Ontario. Together, these partners work with school boards and employers to expand experiential learning opportunities in the skilled trades and promote best practices, such as this inspirational story.

For Adam Harwood, experiential learning isn't just something his company supports - it's how his own career began.

Today, Adam is the second-generation owner of Harwood Plumbing and Heating Ltd., a North Bay company that has served the community for more than 35 years. Offering residential, commercial, plumbing, heating, HVAC, refrigeration, and sheet metal services, the company has built a reputation for quality work while investing in the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

"I was a co-op student," Adam recalls. "I completed a full-day co-op placement, enrolled in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), and that allowed me to begin earning apprenticeship hours before I even graduated from high school."

After completing his apprenticeship and earning additional certifications, Adam eventually purchased the family business from his father. Now, he's creating the same opportunities that helped launch his own career.

Creating Career Pathways Through Experience

One of Harwood Plumbing and Heating's greatest strengths is the variety of skilled trades careers available within the company. Because the company provides plumbing, heating, HVAC, sheet metal, and refrigeration services, students spend time working alongside different teams before choosing where their interests lie.

"I like to give students a taste of everything we offer," Adam explains. "Sometimes they come in thinking they want to be plumbers, but after experiencing another area, they discover they're really interested in heating or sheet metal. So I’ll put them on that path and focus on them. It opens the door to them to find out if it’s what they actually enjoy.”

Rather than expecting students to know exactly what career they want before entering the workplace, Harwood Plumbing and Heating uses experiential learning to help them make informed decisions about their futures.

A Win for Students and Employers

Adam believes co-op placements benefit both students and employers. For students, workplace experiences help confirm whether a trade is truly the right fit. Over the years, he's seen students realize that plumbing wasn't what they expected – and considers that a successful outcome.

"It's much better for students to discover that during a co-op placement than after committing to an apprenticeship," he says.

For employers, co-op creates an opportunity to identify young people who are motivated, eager to learn, and a good fit for the company's culture. Many students who complete placements at Harwood Plumbing & Heating choose to remain with the company after graduation, transitioning directly into apprenticeships and long-term careers.

"It's a natural progression," Adam says. "Students get to know our team, and we get to know them."

Watching Confidence Grow

One of Adam's favourite success stories is Henry, a student who joined Harwood Plumbing & Heating through a co-op placement.

"When Henry first came to us, he was very quiet and shy," Adam remembers. "He would say good morning, work hard all day, and say goodbye."

Today, Henry is completing his sheet metal apprenticeship, works confidently alongside experienced tradespeople, and has grown into an engaged member of the team.

Watching the transformation from a hesitant high school student into a skilled trades professional has been one of Adam's most rewarding experiences as an employer.

“Just watching him grow into his career path that he’s on now is probably one of my most memorable co-op placements.”

Bridging Generations

Harwood Plumbing & Heating also sees another benefit from welcoming students into the workplace: creating stronger connections between generations.

With experienced tradespeople who have spent decades in the industry working alongside younger employees who are comfortable with evolving technologies and digital tools, everyone benefits from sharing knowledge.

“A few of my lead plumbers have been with us for over 30 years,” says Adam. “It’s bringing a younger perspective into the workforce. In the last 10 years, so much has changed. Regulations have changed, products have changed. With the younger generations bringing that into the workforce, they work together with the older generation, so the workforce is more productive.”

As building systems, products, and regulations continue to evolve, Adam believes that combining the experience of seasoned tradespeople with the fresh perspectives of younger workers creates a stronger, more adaptable workforce.

"It's about bringing those generations together," he says. "They each have something valuable to contribute."

Keeping Co-op Simple

Some employers hesitate to offer co-op placements because they worry about the time commitment. Adam encourages them not to let that concern stand in the way.

In his experience, successful placements rely on strong communication between employers and schools. When teachers stay connected and provide consistent support, the process is straightforward.

"It only takes about five minutes a day," he says. "We check in with the student, see how they're doing, follow up to see if they’re enjoying it, ask if they have questions, and make sure everything's going well."

He also appreciates schools that begin planning months in advance, giving employers time to prepare for upcoming placements and build lasting partnerships.

Preparing Students for Success

When asked what qualities today's students need most, Adam's answer is practical.

Reliability matters.

Being on time, staying engaged, and understanding when it's appropriate to use technology in the workplace are habits that help students succeed from day one.

“Being on time is huge,” he emphasizes. “At work, we take breaks, get some water or coffee - that’s the time to be on your phone.”

Combined with curiosity and a willingness to learn, these professional habits create a strong foundation for a successful career in the skilled trades.

Investing in North Bay's Future

As a lifelong North Bay resident, Adam hopes to see more young people choose careers in the skilled trades and remain in the community.

Like many employers across Ontario, Harwood Plumbing & Heating faces ongoing workforce shortages. Adam believes experiential learning is one of the best ways to introduce students to rewarding careers while helping local businesses build their future workforce.

He also points out that skilled trades continue to offer long-term career stability. While technology is transforming many industries, plumbing, heating, and HVAC professionals will always be needed to solve problems, maintain infrastructure, and serve their communities.

“AI is never going to replace us. I’m not going to lose my job because AI can fix a blocked sewer drain or fix a leaking faucet; it’s never going to happen.”

For Adam, investing in students isn't simply about filling positions today; it's about ensuring communities like North Bay continue to have the skilled workforce they need for decades to come.

Developing Skilled Trades Professionals

Harwood Plumbing & Heating demonstrates how experiential learning can become a sustainable workforce strategy. By exposing students to multiple career pathways, building strong relationships with local schools, and creating opportunities for young people to transition from co-op to apprenticeship, the company is developing skilled trades professionals while strengthening its own future workforce.

Adam Harwood's journey – from co-op student to business owner – is a reminder that one meaningful workplace experience can shape an entire career. Today, he's ensuring the next generation has the same opportunity.

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