June 30, 2009
Lodge 73's Jason Matteau takes the National Contest
The 2009 Boilermaker Apprenticeship Contest was won by Jason Matteau, a member of Lodge 73. The announcement was made by Grant Jacobs, National Training Coordinator, on behalf of the National Training Trust Fund Trustees at the Award Banquet. The 16th annual Boilermaker Apprenticeship Award of Excellence was conducted at Lodge 128's Training Center in Burlington Ont, June 14th-18th, the first time the contest was held at a Local Lodge's training center.
Left to Right: Fabian Tompkins and Grant Jacobs make the presentation for
the 2009 Award of Excellence to Jason Matteau.
Seven candidates from across Canada had their knowledge and skills tested for four days. The first day was 8 hours of multiple choice exams with the other three days set aside for practical exercises in welding, flame cutting, hopper development, tube pup replacement and rigging of a 10,000 lb heat exchanger.
Left to Right: Jason Matteau L-73, Greg Cameron L-128, Ken Simms L-203, Geoffrey Moore
L-146, Garrett Parthenay L-555, Jean Blanchard L-271, and Dan Praught L-359.
Greg Cameron hooking up the transfer chain block.
Dan Praught and the rigging judges review the lift plan.
Jean Blanchard on the Waterwall.
Garrett Parthenay laying out the hopper.
Jason Matteau beveling the lug.
Ken Simms preparing the tube wall.
Geoff Moore laying out the hopper.
Each year the award is named after Boilermakers who have contributed a great deal of time and energy to support the Boilermaker Apprenticeship Program. The 2009 Boilermaker Apprenticeship Contest is named after Rick Albright, Sandy MacDonald & Fabian Tompkins. Fabian Tompkins, a member of 128 with 44 years of service, started his career in 1966 as a helper sweeping floors and earned his welding qualifications leading into a career as a superintendent. From being a welder to general superintendent, Tompkins has been a supporter of the Boilermaker trade and the opportunities it offers the next generation. Fabian has one son, one daughter and a nephew who are members of Lodge 128 just to back up what he says about career prospects in the trade.
Left to Right: Fabian Tompkins receives the Award of Excellence from Jim Watson,
Business Manager of Lodge 128.
Joe Maloney, International Vice-President of Western Canada, also talked about the places and people his career as a Boilermaker has allowed him to experience, from working on the tools across Canada as a Boilermaker to meeting Prime Ministers and Presidents while representing the Boilermakers.
Alain Benoit, Assistant Business Manager/Dispatcher for Lodge 73 said "All of Lodge 73 is very proud of Jason Matteau and his accomplishment".
Lodge 73 show their pride - Left to Right: Ken Oliver - International Rep, Vincent L,
Jason Matteau, Marcel Losier - Instructor and Eugene LeBlanc - Training Co-ordinator.
