Before coming to Keyano College, I had built a solid foundation in the tire industry, working as a Tire Technician for approximately ten years. At that point in my career, I had just stepped into a leadership position as a Health and Safety Advisor with Kal Tire, which prompted me to further develop my formal training and leadership capabilities. 

I chose Keyano College because it is rooted in my local community and offered the practical, industry-relevant programming I needed to support my transition into a new role. The ability to learn locally while immediately applying what I was learning in the workplace made the experience especially valuable. 

Returning to school as a mature student came with some natural uncertainty, but what stood out most was the welcoming and supportive environment. The culture at Keyano made it easy to engage, contribute, and grow alongside others, regardless of where they were in their careers. 

One of the most impactful experiences for me was the Incident Investigation course taught by Sean Kealey, who at the time was an Occupational Health and Safety Officer with the Alberta government. His passion for the subject and ability to connect practical application to real-world situations left a lasting impression. While every course contributed to my development, this one reinforced how critical strong investigative and analytical skills are in building safer workplaces. 

My time at Keyano reinforced a belief I carry into leadership today: effective leadership begins with a strong commitment to health and safety. The program helped shape my mindset around accountability, risk awareness, and the role leaders play in creating safe, high-performing teams. 

Although I am no longer in a dedicated HSE role, the skills, and perspectives I gained continue to influence my work every day. I use them to lead by example, coach others, and promote a culture where integrity and safety leadership are foundational to success. 

Living and working in the Wood Buffalo region is important to me because it is a community defined by resilience, opportunity, and collaboration. Being part of a region where industry and community are closely connected creates a strong sense of purpose and responsibility. 

Through my work, I aim to make a meaningful impact by supporting teams, strengthening operational performance, and developing leaders who prioritize both people and safety. When organizations operate with these values, the benefits extend beyond the workplace and into the wider community. 

If I could give advice to my past self on the first day of classes, it would be to embrace the experience and trust the process. Growth often starts outside your comfort zone, and the investment in learning will continue to pay dividends throughout your career.  

If I had to describe Keyano College in one sentence, I would say: “Keyano College delivers practical, industry-connected education that prepares students to lead with confidence and make a lasting impact in their communities.” 

Before I came to Keyano College, I was working in the field of sport and recreation. I worked at Keyano College for almost a decade running their high performance sport development program. From there, I had an opportunity to be involved with a multitude of multi sport games, including Alberta winter games, Alberta summer games and our very own 2015 Western Canada Summer games and most recently the 2023 Arctic Winter games. 

I was most pleasantly surprised with the relationships I was able to create with the nursing faculty. Everybody who had a part in facilitating this program, whether it be instructors, program coordinators or administration really supported us as students and mostly as the nurses we would be when we graduate. 

One of the moments that really stuck with me was when I opened the email with the results of my licensing exam that said I passed, I immediately sent it to one of the instructors that I became very close with because I knew she would be so genuinely excited and proud and I couldn’t wait to share that moment with her even after I had graduated. 

The nursing program at Keyano was very unique in a sense that at least half of the program offers hands-on training in the very environments we will be working in. It allowed me to work side-by-side with the nurses I now call my colleagues, and I was able to jumpstart building relationships within departments that would be my future employer. 

Even as a mature student, something that challenged me the most was the confidence to use my critical thinking skills and professional judgement to make decisions. I feel like by identifying that very early in the program as a skill I wanted to improve upon both my instructors and mentors were able to help me work through any doubt and it’s made me a more confident new grad.  

Living and working in this region really does offer such a unique experience. Obviously, I have a little bit of a biased opinion being that I was born and raised in the community, but I have seen such positive change and growth. There are many opportunities you get in a small Northern area that you would not necessarily get in a bigger city. 

I feel like now working as a registered nurse in the community that I grew up in and as a graduate of our local college I take pride in being an ambassador for both the institution and the profession of nursing. I love having conversations with people either in their education or those contemplating going into the field because I have nothing but positive things to say about both. 

That you will, in fact, love microbiology, and pass with flying colours LOL 

In all seriousness, I would tell my future self that this is going to be one of the great experiences that you will ever have and to try to relax a little bit more and enjoy the ride. The instructors are there to support you through the entire process, and you will never be alone. 

Keyano College is the heart of the community and offers endless potential to those wishing to gain an education close to home. 

I'm a born and raised McMurrayite and I have spent my adult life as an Automotive Service Technician, Welder, and Heavy Equipment Technician. The trades have inspired me since my youth and my voracious appetite for knowledge have led me back to Keyano time and time again. 

Before coming to Keyano, I was working as an Automotive Service Technician. 

I chose Keyano as it was at home - being born and raised and with no current plans of moving away from Fort McMurray, it simply made sense. 

With our industry in Fort McMurray being very focused in its scope, I have been very pleasantly surprised about the wide range of experiences the instructors bring to the table. 

I have a few classes - I really enjoyed the last days of the welding program leading up to the B pressure exam - an optional weld test that's notoriously difficult but allows you to weld pressure piping in Alberta. I didn't pass that day, but there's a certain feeling of camaraderie going into the test with 11 other people simultaneously knowing that this is likely the most difficult welding test the majority of us will ever face in our careers. 

In the HET program, there are some phenomenal hydraulic simulators that help visualize intricate hydraulic components I found aided immensely. 

On a more personal note - I had an instructor in 1st period HET, whom I don't think I learned until 4th period - that he actually was in the same HET class as my father - in the 90s! He actually was left scratching his head, recalling actually giving me a ride at one point in my childhood. It was great having that long lost touch of personal connection, and by extension, a very real understanding and feeling that this instructor had true roots in the community. 

Keyano gave me a great framework to my apprenticeship - the instructors they provide are a wealth of knowledge and bring experiences inside the trade from many other industries that are foreign to us. 

As a mechanic, variety is the name of the game. Having such a wide range of equipment to open up and learn on at the industrial campus was vital to my success. 

When I completed my first trade with RDC, I realized I didn't apply myself much in the program, and over the years working as an automotive technician, I spent time kicking myself for not spending the time to really understand as opposed to just getting a passing grade. By the time I had matured a bit, and was returning to school at Keyano College to study welding, I immediately told myself not to squander this opportunity. Study hard and absorb as much as you can from the experiences of your instructors, because this is the foundation for your trade and will serve you well- especially in today's world where technical literacy is of utmost importance to keep up to industry developments. 

Keyano has been an integral part of this community my entire life, a hub for the community to develop and grow - both for those who continue living here as well as those with their eyes cast farther. 

I chose Keyano because the class sizes were smaller, it was closer to home, and the program availability suited my goals. 

The instructors were the most influential part of my experience. They showed real passion for the trade, strong knowledge, and genuine care for student success. Finding not one but three instructors who inspired students to be their best is something I’m truly grateful for. 

There have been many moments throughout my time at Keyano that have stuck with me, but one stands out and still impacts me today. 

During my second period, I took a relaxed approach to my studies and just aimed to pass. I struggled with self-doubt and often questioned whether I belonged among such talented classmates. One instructor saw potential in me that I didn’t yet see in myself. He encouraged me constantly and reminded me I was capable whenever I faced challenges. 

On the first day of class, he asked if I thought I could be the top student. I said no. He simply replied, “You could be.” By the end of the course, I achieved that goal and maintained it throughout my apprenticeship. 

That experience taught me the power of belief, perseverance, and the impact a supportive mentor can have on someone’s career. 

My experience at Keyano taught me that not knowing something isn’t something to fear — it’s an opportunity to learn. That mindset helped me approach new challenges with confidence and curiosity. 

The program encouraged continuous learning and adaptability, which are essential in my current role. The confidence I gained has helped me take on new projects, work collaboratively, and continue growing professionally. 

I regularly use alignment and troubleshooting skills in my daily work. Keyano emphasized strong fundamentals, and that foundation helps me approach problems in a logical and efficient way. 

When I face a challenging situation, I rely on those core principles to guide my troubleshooting process. That focus on fundamentals has built confidence and allows me to handle a wide range of technical tasks. 

Living and working in the Wood Buffalo region has played a huge role in my personal and professional growth. Fort McMurray gave me the opportunity to start my apprenticeship through a respected local millwright union and gain consistent employment with CAM Industrial Solutions. 

Working at the Suncor Energy Base Plant allowed me to apply what I learned at Keyano in a real-world environment. I’ve built a life here — buying a home and even starting the Fort McMurray Football Academy to give back to the community. This region has helped shape my career and my future. 

My work supports the safe and reliable operation of critical infrastructure, which helps keep industry moving and people employed in our region. Beyond the job itself, I try to contribute by supporting teamwork, mentoring others, and staying involved in community initiatives that help strengthen Fort McMurray. 

Keyano may be small, but the impact it can have on your life is huge.