Scholarship Donor - AIT

Donor Since: 2002
Number of Scholarships: 1
Scholarship Information: G. Peterson Scholarship

History:
As an aspiring machinist I had a love for all things mechanical from a very young age. I enjoyed designing, engineering and repairing most any item that was mechanical in nature; from go karts to large machine tools.

While attending a composite high school I began learning the basics of the machining trade in machine shop classes. I had the benefit of instruction from a very experienced, dynamic, journeyman machinist. This laid a firm foundation for my subsequent apprenticeship program. Following high school I worked for a company who had a strong belief in training young employees. Over the last 25 years since becoming a journeyman I have worked for a large machine shop in Nisku. My experience has been in the area of manufacturing and repair for the oilfield industry, as well as sometime spent in machine shop management. Also in 1997 I started my own small machining business from my home. This small venture has grown to have 3 full time employees (two journeyman and one 4th year apprentice) working with the latest technology in machine tools.

I have developed a very strong belief in the importance of the apprenticeship program. The industry needs to continue to bring on board keen young learners who will take advantage of the journeyman's experience then strive to surpass their technical achievements.

A few years ago I was privileged to be nominated to the provincial apprenticeship committee with responsibility for continually evaluating and improving the machinist training program. I also enjoy actively promoting the apprenticeship program in general. The trade of machining has given me many years of success, accomplishment, and fulfillment. I hope the same will hold true for you.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me at any time.
Graham Peterson 780-986-6107