Richard Simonsen has been with Canvasland for just over five years, bringing his diverse skill set to the team. Responsible for managing installations and overseeing the factory, Richard is a true “Jack of all Trades.”
After college, Richard joined the Army Academy and the Territorial Force. He also worked a mix of physical jobs, including laying laminated flooring, laboring, and paint retail. “At one stage, I was juggling four jobs,” he recalls.
When the opportunity to work at Canvasland came up, Richard was eager to settle into one specialised trade. In the beginning, he spent every day on the road handling installations. “It was difficult at the start, but it got easier as I had some really good people to show me the ropes,” he says.
This year, Richard graduated with a qualification in Industrial Textile Fabrication, crediting Rob for encouraging him to complete the programme. “The apprenticeship helped me understand the industry – from the technical names for tools and stitches to problem-solving,” Richard shares.
During his apprenticeship, Richard also completed an Icehouse leadership course. “It was challenging to fit everything in, but it was worth it,” he says.
Richard’s role at Canvasland has expanded significantly. “I now have a deeper understanding of the industry and the skills to help others when challenges arise,” he says. This career growth has also led to leadership opportunities, including overseeing factory operations and managing installations.
More recently, Richard has also taken on office-based responsibilities, which is a new experience for him. “Right now, I manually organise jobs for the team, but there’s a new digital tool on the way that will make the process smoother for everyone,” he adds.
Richard enjoys coming to work each day and helping his colleagues stay motivated. “I like being able to do a bit of everything and making sure everyone’s motivated to get the jobs done,” he shares. He also appreciates the work-life balance at Canvasland. “We have every second Friday off, as long as we’re keeping up with our work. It’s a great balance.”