School of Trades and Mature Student High School announce One to Watch Award winners

Assiniboine Community College has announced the School of Trades and Mature Student High School 2020 One to Watch award recipients.

"Graduates from the School of Trades are paving the way for growing Westman communities, while the Mature Student High School provides the opportunity for graduates to take the next step in their post-secondary education," said Kate Pelletier, Dean of School of Trades at Assiniboine. "We are delighted to recognize and celebrate the hard work and accomplishments these graduates have achieved during their time at Assiniboine."

Thirteen students received One to Watch awards within the School of Trades and Mature Student High School.

For MacKenzie Shackel, a graduate of the Piping Trades program, receiving the award confirmed that consistent hard work delivers results.

It is very fulfilling to know that hard work all year really pays off and to receive this One to Watch award in a class full of great students is very special,” said MacKenzie. “I went into this program with the hopes of running my own business someday, so the term ‘One to Watch’ is something I will strive to achieve.

MacKenzie was attracted to the program because of his desire to find gainful employment in a career that is high in demand and hands-on.

"Plumbing should allow me to start a life and a career close to home here in Elkhorn, and I genuinely enjoy the work. Being able to work with my hands, as well as troubleshooting appliances, is what led me into piping and I encourage anyone looking for a job that comes with a new challenge every day to consider Piping Trades at Assiniboine," he said.

The piping program provides graduates with the skills and knowledge to kickstart their career in the field upon graduation.

"Teamwork was a strong focus throughout the program, the biggest practical assignment we did all year was to fully plumb a condo, with a mock bathroom and kitchen. I really enjoyed the variety of tools that were made available to help us decide which brands/models we liked," said MacKenzie.

In prior years, One to Watch awards have been presented in-person at the Student Achievement Celebration dinner. However, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year's event was cancelled.

One to Watch award recipients: School of Trades and Mature Student High School