Lakeland apprentice named best of the best

Named as one of the best of the best apprentices in Alberta, the Lakeland College apprentice received a 2016 Top Apprentice Award in the heavy equipment technician – transport trailer mechanic category during the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board Awards on April 21.

Coulson is one of three Lakeland apprentices among the 62 apprentices to be recognized. Lakeland’s Devon Froland was honoured in the carpentry category and Samantha Niedzielski for parts technician.

“I didn’t know this type of award existed so it came as quite a welcome surprise. I studied a lot and tried really hard, so this feels good,” says Coulson, of Marwayne Alta. “I didn’t know what to expect at the banquet either, but it was an excellent time.”

Coulson completed his technical training at Lakeland College’s Vermilion campus and thanks his instructors for helping him excel. “The instructors were awesome, they know what they’re doing and are very helpful,” he says, also crediting his past employer, Advance Tank Centres, and current, TNT Tank and Trailer, for their support. 

Even though he’s completed his apprenticeship, Coulson’s Lakeland experience isn’t over yet. He’s now working on completing the welding apprenticeship program and will be returning to Lakeland’s Vermilion campus for the technical training periods.

“I just feel like you get the best education at Lakeland, especially from the time that the instructors can actually spend with you,” he says. “I like the class sizes too – everything’s been great about my Lakeland experience.”

The annual Top Apprentice Award honours apprentices in each trade who achieved the highest overall marks in their final period of training, and received strong employer recommendations.

Heavy equipment technician is one of nine Alberta apprenticeship programs offered at Lakeland’s Vermilion campus.

Photo: Dean Coulson received a 2016 Top Apprentice award on April 21. He is one of three Lakeland apprentices to receive the provincial accolade for 2016.