A Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) instructor and a pair of alumni were among the inaugural inductees into the Alberta Trades Hall of Fame for their exceptional contributions to advancing the skilled trades, and to supporting the success of others.
The Dec. 1 virtual ceremony honoured Heavy Equipment Technology instructor Bobby Haraba and alumni Herman Bruin (Plumber/Gasfitter ’70, Steamfitter ’73) and Doug Golosky (Welder ’65, Bachelor of Business Administration – Hon. ’15) for their contributions to the success and growth of the skilled trades and apprenticeship training.
Haraba has taught at NAIT for more than 20 years and has been a driving force behind the inclusion of heavy equipment technology in skills competitions at Skills Alberta-Canada and WorldSkills. In an interview for his hall of fame induction, he credited such competitions for changing perceptions about the skilled trades.
Bruin was recognized after a 50-year career that includes starting his family’s business, Bruin’s Plumbing in Red Deer, and his leadership in industry training and safety. He helped launch the Alberta Safety Construction Association, which he once chaired, and served on boards for Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, Workers’ Compensation Board, among others.
After 20 years of working for others, Golosky and his wife Carol founded Clearwater Welding & Fabricating Ltd. in 1984. His business ventures expanded to include eight companies that now employ more than 1,000 skilled tradespeople in the Wood Buffalo region. Golosky, whose grandmother was Cree, would turn one of those companies into an initiative called Lynco Eagle, a First Nations and Métis partnership that provides training and employment for Aboriginal peoples in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Two NAIT honorary degree recipients were also recognized: Eric Newell (Engineering Technology ’00) and JudyLynn Archer (Construction Management Technology ’06). Archer was also a member of NAIT’s Board of Governors from 2015-17.
“It’s inspiring to see these individuals who have all made amazing contributions to Alberta’s skilled trades being recognized with an Alberta Trades Hall of Fame induction. I was taken aback by their dedication and passion for their trades. So many of them were also connected to NAIT, highlighting how important NAIT and its devoted staff is to the province’s skilled trades. Congratulations to all of the recipients,” said Matthew Lindberg, dean of NAIT’s School of Skilled Trades.
NAIT is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering education in science, technology and the environment; business; health and skilled trades. With nearly 34,000 credit and non-credit students and a 98 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads are essential to the provincial economy. NAIT also contributes to Alberta’s prosperity by helping business and industry become more competitive with Industry Solutions offered through its Productivity and Innovation Centre, including technology adoption, business and product innovation and industry-driven research. Recognized as one of Alberta’s top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta.