The Manitoba Home Builders' Association is celebrating 75 years.
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/322578
HAIRSTYLING HAD ALWAYS BEEN A LOVE OF DIANE GAULTIER'S. "I WAS A 35 YEAROLD SINGLE MOM OF FIVE CHILDREN TO SUPPORT, WHEN I WAS GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL TO TAKE A TRADE," GAULTIER SAID. "WITH MANY OPPOR TUNITIES AND AFTER A LOT OF PERSIS TENCE, I WAS ACCEPTED AT RED RIVER COLLEGE UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF THE 'BEST OF THE BEST', JOHN UNGER." After receiving her licence, Gaultier opened a small salon in St. Claude, Man., which she operatedfor10years. I established a clientele and gained knowledge in the business," she said. "I then moved to the CarmanareawhereIpresentlyownandoperate myownsalon." For the last 17 years, Gaultier has participated intheinternshipprogramatCarmanCollegiate. "Young people come to determine whether mineisatradetheywouldliketopursueandat the same time earn credit for their courses," she said."Ihavealsotrained10-15apprenticesover theyears,whilealsomaintainingsomeofthebest clienteleinCarmanandsurroundingarea." Gaultier has offered apprentices a spot onsite so that they can bring their young kids while learningthehairstylingtrade. "Whileapprenticing,Ihavemadeitpossiblefor some of the apprentices to earn hours and save money by accommodating them with an area for their babies," she said. "I have found that when you can accommodate them whatever the situation,youwillhaveabetteratmosphereinthe workplace.Ialsofindwhencomingoutofschool fresh with knowledge and skills of their trade, it isveryimportanttoallowthemtogettoworkas soonaspossiblewhiletheyarestillveryconfident andinreturnIfindittobearefreshingexperience forme." It'sabasiccareforothersthatdrivesGaultier. "The love of people – doing what I love," she said."Becausemineistrulyalabourofloveand helpingsomeonetoachievetheirdreamhasgiven metruesatisfaction." Gaultier is proud to be up for the Rural JourneypersonoftheYearAward. "Just being nominated for this award of distinction,isagreathonour,"shesaid."Iwould liketogivespecialthankstoapresentapprentice Lori, who nominated me for this award, and to all the apprentices who so graciously worked alongsideofmeandallourco-workers. Shealsothanksherfamily. "Theyhaveshownmesuchprideandsupport, I thank them so much for teaching me to love life,"shesaid."Tomycustomerswhohavestood by me over the years, I thank you for being like family to me and last but not least, to the love ofmylife,Roger,whonotonlyhasalwaysbeen there giving me strength through his strength but who made me see that being recognized for this award is not only about me but about all those who have worked so hard to achieve their potential." Gaultier also had kind words for the hosts of theawards. "A special thank you goes out to the people of The Manitoba Apprenticeship Board who have recognizedallthepeoplewhoworkhardandgive of themselves unselfishly to better all the trades andworkplaces,"shesaid."Thankyou." RURAL JOURNEYPERSON OF THE YEAR DIANEGAULTIER F I N A L I S T CHRIS RADLEY WAS WORKING A SUMMER JOB FOR A SCHOOL DIVI SION CLEANING CARPETS WHEN HE GAVE SOMEONE A HAND WITH CARPENTRY WORK. That was all it took, as Radley enjoyed the work and decided to pursue carpentry as a trade. Radley has now been working for the FWS Group for eight years. "I really enjoy working for them," Radley said. "I like training the apprentices and watching them develop." Radley loves the challenges of his work. "Every day is a new challenge," he said. "I enjoy problem solving and every day brings something different, so I learn something new every day. The beauty of being a tradesman is that you are constantly learning and improving." Radley feels honoured to be nominated for Rural Journeyperson of the Year. "I think it's important that we highlight the trades, as trades are important and they don't always get the recognition that they need," he said. "It helps create awareness for people who are new to the trades and reinvigorates what we do every day." Radley said his time as an apprentice was extremely valuable. "I was very fortunate to work under the same guy for the majority of my apprenticeship," he said. "He was a firm believer of doing everything right the first time, and I learned his tricks which have made the job easier. If I had questions I always had someone to ask." Radley has taken the same approach with his own apprentices. "I monitor my apprentices closely and I work with them hands on," he said. "I get them to answer their own questions and make sure they are learning." The Rural Journeyperson of the Year nominee has words of advice for others contemplating the same career path. "Don't be afraid to try," he said. "You never know until you try something. There are many programs that can encourage people." Radley loves the mobility of being a journeyperson. "There are many different aspects of the trade and it allows you to travel, and you can see most of the country," he said. "The definition of a journeyman is that you get to travel and work. Take a journey to find work and the skills get you that work." RURAL JOURNEYPERSON OF THE YEAR CHRIS RADLEY F I N A L I S T CHIRS RADLEY. SUBMITTED PHOTO "Ienjoyproblemsolving andeverydaybrings somethingdifferent,so Ilearnsomethingnew everyday.Thebeauty ofbeingatradesmanis thatyouareconstantly learningandimproving."