WESTLOCK – One of the most satisfying aspects of teaching is helping your students succeed.
That’s what Kevin MacKenzie has done for 17 years as a carpentry teacher at R.F. Staples School. He is one of 30 teachers in Alberta being recognized by Skills Canada Alberta for his hard work and dedication to students.
“It’s extremely humbling. When you look at the calibre of the people that have already been recognized, it’s very humbling,” said MacKenzie, noting he was nominated for the award by fellow teacher and colleague Veronica Scallion, gathered feedback from parents, students and several team skills program team members. “When you see the feedback from colleagues who I respect at the highest level, when you see what they write about you, it really is humbling.”
To celebrate Skills Canada Alberta’s 30-year long relationship with Alberta’s teachers and instructors, they are celebrating some of the skills champions among the community – known as the ‘Sturdy 30’. The award recognizes teachers and instructors who go above and beyond to prepare their students for the world of work in trade and technology areas.
The 30 teachers in the province are being recognized with social media profiles, running until the end of July and will also receive a physical award later this year.
Mackenzie is a journeyman carpenter with a red seal and has been teaching carpentry at R.F. Staples for 17 years. Prior to that he had his own business in the industry and today enjoys sharing his knowledge and skill set with students to help them secure work in trades sectors.
“The kids that come out of here, they’re prepared. By the time they finish three years here they could easily go challenge first year apprenticeship (at any tech school) if they wanted to,” explained MacKenzie.
Students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 are introduced to carpentry and work their way up from Level 1 to Level 3 accordingly. They are taught such things as how to read blueprints and properly use power tools.
“At Level 1, they’re introduced to the fixed power tools … once they get through Level 1 they are quite proficient at using the equipment and they can use it safely,” he said. “Then at Level 2 and 3, it’s structural (learning).”
All students in the CTS (career and technology) courses at R.F. Staples are taught and trained by professionals — including those in mechanics, carpentry, and cosmetology.
“This is a great school if kids want to start a career in the trades,” said MacKenzie, noting the importance of young people learning technical skills and about various trades. “It is everyday skills that you need — whether you’re going to be a carpenter or not, you will have your own place to live in and you will have to fix stuff. We give them those skills,” he added. “The skills that they get here are an amazing start to their life.”
When students leave after completing the three-year program, they have confidence to believe in themselves and in the skills they’ve learned.
“That confidence level will help them make other decisions in their life,” said MacKenzie. “This is the biggest reward you could have, watching these kids grow and become the young adults that they do, with the confidence, skills and knowledge they now have.”
Skills Canada Alberta (SCA) is a not-for-profit provincial association that partners with the Government of Alberta, Government of Canada, industry, labour and education groups to equip young minds with the skills that will help Canada compete successfully in a changing world market.
