OPG’s Brandon Johnson proud to show what’s possible to Indigenous youth

Johnson is a member of OPG’s Indigenous Opportunities Network (ION), which has helped recruit and place more than 140 Indigenous candidates in trades and administrative roles at OPG and across the energy sector. And he’s a member of OPG’s Indigenous Circle group, which offers networking, mentoring, and support for Indigenous employees across the organization.

He’s also frequently seen at various job fairs representing OPG, ION, and the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers. Most recently, Johnson was at the Skills Ontario Competition to share his experiences and speak with young students interested in a career in the trades and with OPG.

“The biggest thing I see is that a lot of kids have the drive to work, but they just don’t know how to get there – how to get a good job,” he shares. “I’m the right guy to talk to. I can kind of show them a path.”

Helping put youth on a rewarding career path is something he takes seriously, particularly in his home reserve of Curve Lake. As one of the community’s own, and someone who has found success, he understands the positive influence he has on those who live there.

“All the members of Curve Lake know what I do for work. Kids just getting out of high school know who to come and talk to, to help figure out what path to take,” he said. “I always like telling them, ‘You have a big opportunity right at your fingertips. As long as you want to take it, it’s yours, and you can do this.’”

It’s an ethos that has helped guide him to where he is today, along with his personal embrace of the saying, “A friendly hello goes a long way.” Whether it’s a colleague, a community member, or a stranger, he’s quick with the greetings and enjoys drawing people out of their shells.

It’s this element of camaraderie, particularly with his teammates, that helps elevate his everyday life, while doing the kind of work he’s enjoyed since he was a youth.

“I’ve always been a hands-on guy ever since I was a kid taking apart motors just to see how they went back together,” he said. “At a nuclear station, you know the systems you’re working on are very important. So, I always try to do the best I can, while understanding exactly what I’m doing and preparing. I like seeing my name on something – to say that I did that.”