New Apprenticeship Graduates Advance in Skilled Trades

After 15 years working as a goldsmith, Virginia King knew she loved working with her hands. But, at 31, she wanted a change and was inspired by her neighbour, a sheet metal worker who told her about good jobs available in the trade.

Even though she knew she would be one of few women in the sheet metal program, Ms. King enrolled and headed back to school.

"In the beginning, I was a little bit intimidated by the male domination in the trade. But, once I got my feet wet, I realized that I could do anything they could do," said Ms. King. "Plus, my awesome instructor and mentor wouldn't let me get away with anything less. If the boys were doing it, so was I.

"Now, after four years of hard work, I have a credential that has gotten me a great job at the dockyard. I am now paying it forward by mentoring and training another female apprentice."

Ms. King is one of 458 newly certified journeypersons in northern and central Nova Scotia.

"The best part about becoming certified was not being recognized for being a female in a male dominated trade, it was being recognized for being awesome at it."

Ms. King was among those recognized at a celebration event today, Nov. 9, in Dartmouth.

Premier Stephen McNeil commended Nova Scotia's newest journeypersons on their accomplishments and emphasized the importance of apprenticeship to the province.

"Apprenticeship isn't just about getting great skills and training," said Premier McNeil. "It can be the ticket home for Nova Scotia's sons and daughters, and it is a big part of the way forward for our great province.

"That's why government has put apprenticeship at the top of its priority list."

The apprenticeship celebration is a bi-annual event sponsored by industry, the apprenticeship board, the Nova Scotia Community College and the province.

"I want to congratulate all of the newly certified journeypersons and I wish them the best of luck as they take advantage of the many opportunities in the skilled trades," said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan. "I look forward to working with apprentices, industry and employers as we strengthen the program for everyone involved."

During the celebration, awards of excellence were given to an outstanding apprentice, and coach or mentor.

Ryan MacDonald, a newly certified industrial mechanic, received the Apprenticeship Award of Excellence as someone who has made outstanding contributions to the industry and their employer, supporting others in the workplace and demonstrating a strong work ethic. Mr. MacDonald was nominated by several co-workers. Each nominator recognized him for his desire to work safely, his willingness to learn new things and stay current in his training, and his strong desire to do good work and help others.

The mentor/coach award of excellence was presented to Elizabeth Cummings, an industrial and construction electrician from Halifax. The award recognizes an employer, supervisor, instructor or other mentor who has served as a role model and demonstrated qualities of superior teaching, enthusiasm for the trade and a strong commitment to the progress of apprentices in their program.

Ms. Cummings was described as a mentor who leaves an impression on her students. She takes the time to help her apprentices discover the problem and find solutions. She is also being recognized for her volunteer work with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Techsploration.

More information about apprenticeship is available at www.nsapprenticeship.ca.