Despite the COVID-19 pandemic suspending face-to-face classes and workshop access at Yukon College, all five Pre-Apprentice Millwright students successfully completed the program this term.
Cody Joe, Glen Carpenter, Fathallah Bouchama, Marshall Michaud and Aaron Mendelsohn are now eligible to be hired as Level One Millwright Apprentices.
Logan Sherk, Millwright instructor at Yukon College said in a statement, "This was a strong cohort of students. They were very committed to the program and remained so even after we switched to online delivery."
Glen Carpenter heard about the program from his friend, Jeff Stokes, who graduated in 2019 and now works at Mount Sima Ski Hill. Carpenter moved with his wife to Whitehorse from Southern Alberta last year to enrol at Yukon College in January. Carpenter plans to remain in Whitehorse and is seeking apprenticeship opportunities with local companies in the field of facilities maintenance.
Cody Joe is a Champagne and Aishihik First Nations citizen who has already been hired by Victoria Gold's Eagle Gold Mine, near Mayo, Yukon. He is due to begin May 13 as a maintenance labourer, supporting the onsite millwright and welding journeymen. Joe is hopeful this will develop into an apprenticeship after he successfully completes the probationary period.
Currently at the Eagle Gold Mine, Yukoners make up approximately 51% of the workforce. Victoria Gold has implemented a thorough COVID-19 action plan at the mine which meets and exceeds regulations established by the Yukon Chief Medical Officer.
"The health and safety of our employees, contractors and local communities is the most important aspect of our business," said John McConnell, Victoria Gold President and CEO.
Both Carpenter and Joe will be recommending Millwright Pre-Apprenticeship to friends and family.
"Millwrights are in demand, so I'm definitely encouraging people to take a look at the program. It may feel intimidating at first, but there's a lot of support from Yukon College to help you succeed," said Joe.
Pending updated COVID-19 response measures, the Millwright Pre-Apprentice program will run again in January 2021. Yukon College will officially become Yukon University on May 19.
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