Alumni Awards 2022 - Distinguished Alumni Award - Barry LaRocque

• Heavy Duty Mechanics, class of 1982
• Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic Apprentice, class of 1984
• Heavy Duty Electronics, class of 1994
• President/Owner, Atom-Jet Group

Barry grew up in Northern Manitoba and at a young age started working for his father in the logging industry, with ambitions to own his own business one day. With a strong interest in continued learning and the development of his skills, he enrolled in Assiniboine’s Heavy Duty Mechanics program in 1981. Upon graduation, he worked 6 years in the diamond drilling industry as a field mechanic/apprentice and journeyman and 3 years in underground mining as a foreman while earning his full apprenticeship in 1986.

In 1993, he returned to Assiniboine to study Heavy Duty Electronics. During this time, he began working for Paddock Drilling in operations management, where he spent the next nine years of his career.

In 2002, Barry acquired co-ownership of Atom-Jet Industries Ltd. and in 2011, he and his partner broadened the scope of work and service lines for customers with the purchase of Glendale Industries Ltd. In 2012, Barry transitioned to full ownership of Atom Jet Group, which now proudly employs over 85 people from the Westman region.

Barry has volunteered with numerous organizations in Westman including Economic Development Brandon, Cancer Care Manitoba, the Christmas Cheer board, the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the YWCA.

Barry and his wife Sharon currently live in Brandon and have two sons and one grandson.

To see all of our 2022 alumni awards recipients, visit: assiniboine.net/alumniawards