Monday, August 23, 2021

A New Career Start

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With a diploma in print journalism from Conestoga College, Devon Smith worked as a reporter, editor, and photographer, including nearly three years with the Waterloo Region Record, and in the food industry before making a new career start five years ago. Devon wanted a better lifestyle for himself and was looking for a more stable career, one where he wasn’t sitting at a desk all day.

It was through his cousin, who is an electrician, that he found his new career in the skilled trades. Devon started his electrician apprenticeship on July 6, 2016, with O’Connor Electric. He passed his certificate of qualification exam on March 20, 2021, and is now a journeyperson electrician with the company.

During his apprenticeship, Devon took advantage of CLAC’s tuition reimbursement for each level. Impressively, he maintained a 4.0 GPA for each level, qualifying for the $100 bonus each year.

Devon has also had to overcome hardship. Tragically, his partner, Shantal Myers, passed away suddenly on April 1, 2019, just before her 26th birthday. Local 6 made a donation to the memorial scholarship at Conestoga College created in Shantal’s honour.

Devon Smith

A New Career Start

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