Vegreville Graduate Receives $1,000 Apprenticeship Scholarship

Vegreville Graduate Receives $1,000 Apprenticeship Scholarship

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Melissa Rutherford was one of 15 students from Elk Island Public Schools to receive a $1,000 scholarship to go towards further education in the trades.

Rutherford, who was born and raised in Vegreville, became a parts technician through the Registered Apprenticeship Program, (RAP) and has moved to Athabasca to begin her new career at Deerland Equipment.

On November 4, CAREERS: The Next Generation, on behalf of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT), hosted the virtual High School Apprenticeship Scholarship Celebration acknowledging the hard work of students throughout Alberta, and announced the winners of $1,000 scholarships that will help them take their careers to the next step upon graduation.

“The RAP and CTS pathways develop skills that students can apply in their daily lives when preparing for entry into the workplace and beyond,” says Barclay Spady, EIPS Consultant, Career Pathways.

Scholarship recipient Melissa Rutherford.

(Melissa Rutherford/Submitted Photo)

“Essential competencies achieved allow students to make relevant connections with work and post-secondary training. Receiving scholarships and recognition will enable them to continue to access the skills and training they need to follow their aspirations to become skilled trades professionals.”

EIPS has a variety of programs to help students explore potential careers. Students get a chance to examine numerous career pathways and possibilities in Grades 7-12, which develop their knowledge, skills, attitudes and values as they choose to enter post-secondary institutions or go directly into the workforce.

Initially, Melissa was interested in becoming a flight attendant, but was concerned about the safety aspect and responsibility of that type of position. She admits her family was a “big determiner” in her final decision to become a parts technician.

Her dad is an auto mechanic and her older brother recently became a certified heavy duty mechanic. Melissa said she knew she didn’t want to be a mechanic, but did enjoy dealing with customers and farm equipment, and that’s how she chose her profession.

What Melissa enjoys most is the problem solving aspect of her work. She feels good to be able to help pinpoint a problem and get what parts customers need to get back up and running again.

Melissa plans to continue her education and take some online courses in the coming year.