An Alberta Boilermaker made history in May when j'Amey Holroyd, Director of Apprenticeship and Education for Boilermakers Lodge 146, was appointed to a three-year term as Chair of the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board.

It's the first time in the Board's 71-year history that either a trade unionist or a woman has been appointed to the role.

"I look forward to working with my fellow distinguished board members and strong industry partners to continue the excellent work Alberta's apprenticeship and industry training community has done," Holroyd said. "I'm honoured to be named as Chair of the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board and excited to assist in positioning Alberta for great future success."

"Boilermakers across Canada congratulate j'Amey on her historic appointment," commented Joseph Maloney, International Vice President for Canada of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. "She has distinguished herself in her position with Lodge 146 and in her 17-year career in the construction and maintenance industry. We look forward to working with her in her new role and wish her the very best. We are excited and proud that one of our own has been recognized in being appointed to this important position."

"For that position to be held by a Boilermaker is very prestigious for j'Amey as well as for the trade in Canada," said Boilermakers' Director of National Training Grant Jacobs. "It's a remarkable achievement for her. j'Amey is a dedicated, dynamic individual. I know she'll do a great job." Jacobs said the appointment was all the more significant because the government allows only one union nominee on the Board.

"We're very proud and happy for j'Amey," said Dean Milton, Business Manager of Lodge 146. "It's a wonderful opportunity for women in trades. Just having a person from a union appointed to that position is a first."

Milton called Holroyd's service to the Lodge "invaluable," pointing out that she had about 500 apprentices in the system and was responsible for administering thousands of qualification tests a year, "along with all the other training."

"Ms. Holroyd brings a wealth of experience in her trade and has built a considerable résumé in terms of professional development, mentorship of her peers and developing recruitment initiatives," said Marlin Schmidt, Alberta's Minister of Advanced Education. "I'm very pleased to appoint her to this position and know that she will bring an incredible amount of skill and passion."

The Board advises Alberta's Minister of Advanced Education on the needs of the labour market for skilled trades and promotes careers in the trades. It sets standards and requirements for training and certification in trades and occupations programs.

j'Amey holds a trade certificate with an Interprovincial Standards Red Seal endorsement in the Boilermaker trade. She holds a Blue Seal Certificate and a Master's degree in Leadership. She is also a director/board member of Tradewinds to Success Training Society and is the Chair of the Building Trades of Alberta Training Coordinators Group.