THUNDER BAY – BUSINESS – Dominic Chasse, Tyler Bruyere and Billy Joe Sayers (pictured right, left to right) were hired by Valard as ground labourers and then promoted to sponsored apprentices in the powerline technician trade. To prepare them for work on the East-West Tie Transmission Project in Ontario, Valard and Supercom (First Nations partnership) brought the three men to Alberta in May 2018 to learn and work on its WFMAC transmission project.
“This opportunity has been a great success. I never thought of getting into a red seal trade before and am so glad to be able to do so through Valard. I’m now going to be able to do the things that I want to do. Being a powerline technician gives me pride, knowing that people will be provided with the energy that they need in order to progress,” comments Dominic Chasse, Michipicoten First Nation.
“This opportunity has changed my life 100%. I can now support me and my son while having an amazing career for the rest of my life. This is just the start of the path to success, and that’s why I’m here to succeed with Valard. Being a powerline apprentice means everything to me because this is my lifestyle: I love the work I do and knowing how much I’m learning with Valard. I feel I am where I am supposed to be in life,” says Tyler Bruyere, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation.
“Being a powerline technician is something I have always wanted to do. Coming from a powerline family myself had a big role in that. I’m also doing this for my mother who is battling cancer. She’s with me every step of the way. She’s my inspiration. This career will provide the things I want in life and my future family – I wouldn’t want anything more than that. My impression of Valard Construction is great. From the staff at the office to the guys out in the line, it’s all one great happy family. I’m happy where I am, and I’ll be happy to retire as a Valard Construction worker. Great company. I love it,” states Billy Joe Sayers, Batchewana First Nation.
