Ken Heather

Ken Heather

For over 4 decades, Ken Heather has made a profound impact on apprenticeship education and welding training in Alberta. He began his own apprenticeship education in 1978 and started his journey as a mentor in 1982 as a B Pressure Welder. This was where he first started working directly with apprentices, providing hands-on, on-the-job training that would become a hallmark of his career.

Ken’s interest in teaching and mentorship quickly grew when it was suggested to him that he teach continuing education classes with the Edmonton Public School Board. He described this introduction to teaching as an “incredible experience” with “amazing people that you come in contact with that you would never normally would.”

Ken’s dedication to education deepened when he joined Red Deer Polytechnic in 1996 as a welding instructor, an opportunity he applied to on a whim when he saw an ad for the job in a discarded newspaper at a campground. Ken recalls, “I remember putting my resume together and thinking probably nothing’s going to happen.” He went on to secure an interview and continue as an instructor until 2022. “If somebody would have told me when I was a 19-year-old apprentice of the opportunities I was going to get because of my base of a journeyman welder and the experience that I had, I would have said they were lying.”

Ken’s leadership quickly became evident, as he served as Chair of the Welding Department and became the first trade instructor elected President of the Faculty Association. In this role, he was instrumental in shaping internal policies, resolving conflicts, and amplifying the voice of trades faculty. His leadership was further recognized when he became the first trades instructor elected President of the Alberta Colleges Institutions Faculty Association, where he brought a much-needed trades perspective to high-level discussions with institute presidents, board chairs, and government officials.

Ken has also been a cornerstone of Skills Canada Alberta and the organization’s Provincial Skills Canada Competition. The event brings together hundreds of young Albertans to compete in 45 trade and technology areas, testing their skills against high standards and their peers in Olympic-style competitions. Winners earn the title of best in the province and a chance to join Team Alberta at the Skills Canada National Competition, then potentially qualify for the WorldSkills Competition.

Since 2008, Ken has served as Regional Coordinator for the Central Regional Skills Canada Competition and remains actively involved even in retirement. The experience has given Ken the opportunity to both mentor the next generation of skilled tradespeople and watch them grow, while connecting with other experts. “I get to work with 44 experts from around the world and I get to find out how they train, I get to find out what are they working on, what their apprenticeship program is like. And it is a network of people that are all coming for the same reason.”

Through teaching and his work with Skills Canada Alberta, Ken makes sure apprentices know about all the opportunities available to them. “What's essential is to have an open mind,” he says, “The opportunities are out there, all you have to do is take them.”

Within Skills Canada Alberta, Ken has served on the Provincial Technical Committee (PTC) for Welding and has chaired the committee since 2007. He is known for creating a welcoming, inclusive environment, encouraging the participation of women in welding through programs like Girls Exploring Trades & Technology, and leading an Abilympics event in 2019, which welcomed students with disabilities into competition.

When it comes to expanding apprenticeship education to underrepresented groups, Ken places emphasis on learning new perspectives. “Let's look at it different and step into their worlds. We learn. We sit back.” Ken’s passion for accessible education extends to his community. He helped develop a welding education program for Indigenous communities through the Rocky Mountain House Consortium of Education and has helped create training opportunities on the Samson and Montana Reserves. He also played a key role in launching Skills Exploration Days, introducing junior high students to trades before they make crucial education and career decisions.

Nationally and internationally, Ken’s influence is just as significant. In 2012, he was named Canada’s Expert representative for welding at WorldSkills International. He has held this position at every competition since. His mentorship of welding competitors proved very successful. Each Canadian competitor mentored by Ken has achieved at least a Medallion of Excellence, and in 2024, Team Canada’s Welding representative, Ben Rainforth, elevated that legacy by earning a Bronze medal at World Skills in Lyon, France. Ken also serves on the WorldSkills International Sustainability Committee, where he helps shape the future of global trade and technology competitions. His advocacy led him to lobby the Canadian Welding Bureau in 2024 for additional funding to better prepare Canada's competitor for international success.

Ken's success stems from a deep well of leadership, mentorship, and technical mastery. He consistently places emphasis on celebrating the achievements of other members of Alberta's welding community. His efforts have inspired the next generation, supported his peers, influenced policy and curriculum, and elevated the profile of Alberta's trades education on the global stage.