Thomas Douglas, a teacher at Garth Webb Secondary School in Oakville, recently received a national award from the
Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CMTA).
Called the CMTA Trades Ambassador of the Year, this award is presented to an individual who mentors and shares knowledge to younger apprentices. Douglas says he is thrilled to receive such a recognition.
“To say that I am truly humbled by this prestigious award is an understatement,” he says. “I feel so fortunate to be recognized by an organization that I have immense respect for. Over the years, CTMA has provided tremendous financial support for high school manufacturing shops all across the province. Everyday they are helping to make a difference in our classrooms. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my incredible colleagues and leadership at the HDSB. There's no better place to work in education.”
Douglas says the award, presented to him in late September, brings attention to how valuable an apprenticeship is for young people interested in the skilled trades as a career.
“Manufacturing is at the heart of our economy here in Ontario, and we are globally recognized as being industry leaders. The sector offers the opportunity to have a meaningful and fulfilling career and provide a great standard of living for oneself.”
“We believe that Thomas meets or exceeds the criteria that we look for when placing this award,” says Robert Cattle, Executive Director of the Canadian Tooling & Machining Association. “I have experienced first-hand the extra efforts that Thomas gives to show his students how to operate the machines in his shop and to learn the skills needed to produce components that can be used in the robotics team. I have also witnessed the respect and dedication that his students give him by working after school and getting totally involved in his programs. Thomas has also been instrumental in helping us develop our Career-Ready with CTMA: Expanding Opportunities program, supplying high schools throughout the province with new high-tech CNC machines and tooling for their machine shop classes. Thomas’ efforts have contributed to expanding the knowledge of many students and have shaped career paths for many of them who without this exposure would have had no awareness about how ‘we make things’.”
Given the need for skilled tradespeople in the labour force, Douglas encourages young people to give the profession serious consideration.
“Do it - you won’t regret it,” he says. “The industry needs new tradespeople and a career with purpose awaits you. Nothing beats the feeling of satisfaction you get from seeing something that you made come to life and function as intended.”
Learn more about
skilled trades offered in the HDSB.
