MHC celebrates Trades Appreciation Day
Trades training is critical to the growth and success of Southeast Alberta and Medicine Hat College (MHC) is proud to recognize its students, faculty and industry partners as part of Alberta’s Apprenticeship Appreciation Day on Sept. 23.
With MHC’s heavy equipment technician lab setting the stage, the college kicked off its own celebration last Friday with a barbeque for trades students, faculty and partners. Regional high school students from Grasslands Public Schools and Medicine Hat Public School Division were also on site for their own introduction to trades courses, part of new collaborative partnerships between secondary and postsecondary education systems.
Rob Stroh, an instructor in the plumbing/gasfitting program, is impressed by how opportunities have grown over his 17 years at the college. Noting the partnership with regional school districts, he believes these programs are a great way to get young people started in the trades.
“Today is a great day,” says Stroh, noting the event turnout on Friday with representation from Crescent Heights High School, Medicine Hat High School, Brooks Composite High School, Duchess School and Sunrise School.
“I’m really pleased to have these students on campus, they bring a lot of enthusiasm.” Stroh also notes the strength of MHC programs and his colleagues. “We have a really good team. We have great programs and turn out quality tradespeople. That’s why I’m still here.”
MHC offer seven apprenticeship programs within its School of Trades and Technology, including Automotive Service Technician, Carpentry, Electrical, Heavy Equipment Technician, Plumbing/Gasfitting, Steamfitter/Pipefitter and Welding.
“There’s lots of opportunity in the trades,” says Luke Wielenga, a second year plumbing student who hopes to start his own company one day. “Plumbing pays well and there’s always work, even when the economy is slow.”
While program availability was what drew him to MHC initially, it was the quality of instructors and campus facilities and benefits that brought Wielenga back to Medicine Hat for year two of his studies.
“Today is a day to express gratitude for the trades,” says Dr. Morgan Blair, dean of trades and technology at MHC.
“Thank you to our students who shape the future of our region and economy through their perseverance on their chosen path. Thank you to our faculty who guide and mentor our students, sharing their expertise and passion with the next generation. And thank you to our industry partners whose support for MHC apprentices and programs is essential to our collective success.”