Learning on the Trail @BTPS28

In this episode: Rhae-Ann chats with Jen Lange who is a Journeyman Automotive Service Technician (AST) and who also happens to be our BTPS/Lakeland's Dual Credit Instructor for that trade. Jen chats about many aspects of AST as a career path and speaks about her recent experience as a Lakeland College Dual Credit instructor. Jen and Rhae-Ann dig into the basic requirements to enter the automotive trade as well as the topics the Dual Credit students cover during this first year of apprenticeship. Jen now has a new passion for teaching and speaks about how rewarding it is to be, both a mechanic at Norris Ford garage, and to teach and help Dual Credit high school students turn into confident young adults who are excited to start their own careers in the automotive trade. Listen in and hear the enthusiasm in their conversation for this career choice.

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In this episode, learn how Brian's diagnosis with autism became the inspiration for his father, Ling Huang, to create a unique focus for his IT business (Technology North).  While 'Technology North' finds IT solutions for business, industry and the public sector, it also now addresses employment gaps for young adults with autism. Ling's work has climbed to national attention as he is currently in the annual 'Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards' as the nation's most inspiring immigrants. Ling has developed software to help young adults with autism gain meaningful and valued employment. In this interview Ling shares with Rhae-Ann the education journey of Ling's son Brian and through it Ling and his wife recognized that the value of education is in the confidence, not the grades, that students get from the education system. And through 'Technology North', Ling helps students with autism transition from high school as employees performing duties like data management and digitization of documents for employers of all types. Ling is currently expanding into other areas of support for young adults with autism...jump over to his website to read more about his latest work.

In this Episode:  Camille Bailey is a registered Occupational Therapist (OT) as well as the owner of Sensory Solutions Inc. and she provides pediatric OT for BTPS. She stops by and chats with Rhae-Ann about many aspects about this career path. They cover topics including how Camille 'stumbled' on this career, some university options for it, a day-in-the-life of an occupational therapist at BTPS and even floor hockey. Rhae-Ann will be including resources and additional information about this career path in our bi-monthly newsletter because it is such an important service in our school division and OTs are in such demand. Also, find additional occupational information at the ALIS link in our show notes below. Now, take a few minutes to listen to the rich conversation in this podcast.

In this Episode:  Shalene Fetterley shares with us that she knew from an early age she wanted a career in the food industry. She chats with Rhae-Ann about how she strives to be creative with her food and menus as well as innovative with her products like freezer meals. And how important it was for her to stay in the local area of Wainwright, where she was raised, and give back to the community by using her talents. Roll all this up and it results in a very successful and busy local business for Shalene. Take a few minutes to listen in on the discussion that includes Shalene's apprenticeship training at NAIT, her part-time jobs that gave her experience and preparation for a career and finally the launch of her successful catering business in Wainwright that also serves the surrounding area.

Rhae-Ann takes a different angle than her usual podcast format that has a general focus on career paths; in this episode she has a conversation with Amaya Myhovich a high school student, who talks about her Indigenous art piece created as a response to a project in her Art 20 class.

Additional topics they explore allows Amaya to speak her voice with hopes that her artwork sparks conversations regarding 'Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women', residential schools and other struggles that Indigenous people face along with inspirational topics like an appreciation for the Indigenous regalia and celebration of their culture and heritage. In order to support student learning about Indigenous people and the Calls to Action, Amaya encourages others to educate themselves on both Indigenous societal issues and the rich history of their people. Take a few minutes and listen in...

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In this Episode: Rhae-Ann chats with Dr Thomas Isaman, a past BTPS graduate and now a chiropractor who, journeyed through a unique post secondary education and leveraged the impacts of COVID to return to his hometown (Wainwright) and open his business, raise his family and give back to the community he loves.  

In this episode we are introduced to Gretzie Parth, a 25 year old, who started her beauty career at 18 as a make-up artist and then did freelance work offering beauty services to bridal parties, graduates and others. She moved to the next level in the beauty industry when she opened the salon "GP MAKEUP The Beauty Haus" in St. Albert and she launched her product "G CLASS Lashes". She also partnered with a friend and started "Glam Artistry Inc." and specializes in bridal makeup. They offer a certified makeup program Glam Class Pro which teaches people what they need to know to move from a make-up artist to a beauty entrepreneur with the skills to sustain a successful business as a Beauty Retailer and Salon owner. Listen in to the great conversation with Rhae-Ann and Gretzie. 

In this Episode: Dr Danielle Philibert, Aquatic Toxicologist with the Huntsman Marine Science Centre, chats with Rhae-Ann about her passion for the aquatic work that she does. And how circumstances took her from an interest in Veterinarian Medicine at the University of Alberta to her amazing research job in Eastern Canada, she feels her education and her career journey has been a privilege. Due to economic and cultural impacts, the majority of her work is with lobsters, cod and Atlantic coast marine life. She is excited to share through this podcast, aspects of her work and her life with our students at BTPS.

In this Episode: we spend time with Derek Holte who is a System Analyst with BTPS.  He talks to Rhae-Ann about how events in his life kept pointing him toward a career in technology.  He has broad experiences including work in the oil-patch and ranching but he says that for him, working with technology is fun and he is doing something he has enjoyed since he was a kid... taking apart and putting together computers and systems.

In this Episode: We chat with Darren Grosky, a firefighter with the Wainwright Fire Department.  Firefighting is a team sport with strong team spirit!! Darren is proud to be a part of Wainwright's 'fire family' and proud to serve the community and he encourages students to become part of such an extraordinary calling.  Focus on solid training and continuous upgrading is key for firefighters to do their job and help people through their worst day. Darren invites students to tour the fire hall and visit with first responders to see if this is a path they might want to pursue.

In this Episode: Jessenta Woloshyn, Agonomist (Agologist) drops by and chats with Rhae-Ann about where her interest in agronomy started, how she pursued training through Lakeland College and now that she has her dream job, she feels lucky to have had rich and amazing experiences along the way.

In this episode: Heather Rentz, Innovation Coach, is asked 'How can women best support each other?' She guides us by saying, "We as women, should engage in authentic conversations. And if you see a woman who is not being heard, be the person to lift her up to support her voice." She shares a quote that has guided her, "Surround yourself with women who would mention your name in a roomful of opportunities."

In this Episode: Michelle Webb speaks about International Women's Day and shares that her "great-grandmother was 11yrs on the first official gathering in 1911". That celebration inspired women across the world to advocate for all types of equality.  Michelle states that "from challenge comes change so let's choose to challenge inequities and collectively we can help create an inclusive world."

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In this Episode: Lanie Parr, our BTPS Board Chair shares thoughts and advice with our students about women leaders in the workplace; "Women bring so much talent to the workplace but are undervalued.... Advice for our young woman... be intentional and your dreams will become your reality."

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