Mick McGowan

Mick McGowan

For Mick McGowan, woodworking has been both a gratifying skill and a lifelong pursuit, evolving from basic work to a rewarding hobby to a meaningful career. Through his personal passion for the craft, Mick discovered his true vocation: sharing his expertise with others.

His journey into the world of woodworking began at age 17 when he undertook some odd construction jobs for his landlord. He combined his budding interest in woodworking with his love of music in high school, by crafting an Appalachian dulcimer. From there, he embarked on an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker. Mick's ambition led him to establish his own shop in Calgary.

“Woodworking is endlessly complex if you want it to be,” Mick says, “There’re so many different things to tackle and try. There’s always something new and interesting.”

Mick's career took a compelling turn into the realm of teaching when he began a 9-year stint imparting his knowledge at Arctic College (now known as Nunavut Arctic College), in numerous communities including Baker Lake, Rankin Inlet, Coral Harbour, Pond Inlet and Iqaluit. During the summer breaks, Mick served as the superintendent of the Fort Good Hope Housing Society. He supervised carpentry crews that constructed about 8 houses each year, a significant undertaking that also involved training the future occupants of the houses in carpentry skills. Inspired by this experience, Mick saw the value in obtaining his journeyperson carpentry certificate.

Mick pursued advanced educational qualifications to enhance his teaching capabilities. The journey included earning a Technological Education Diploma at Queen's University, followed by a bachelor's degree in adult education at the University of Alberta. Mick subsequently obtained a master's degree in education, also from the University of Alberta.

In 1994, Mick embraced a new chapter as a woodworking instructor at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). When asked to reflect about Mick’s contribution to the role, colleagues and students emphasized his ability to approach each day with humility, joy, and an infectious enthusiasm. To his students, Mick was known for infusing his teaching with a wealth of personal anecdotes, making the material engaging and relatable.

During his time as an instructor, Mick took on an additional challenge of helping to develop the cabinetmaking trade in Alberta. He worked on the trade’s written modules and crafted a considerable portion of the provincial curriculum himself. In working on a later update of the curriculum, Mick discovered that a cultural change had taken place over his years at SAIT. The curriculum “involved the apprentice a lot more,” Mick noted. “We’ve tweaked the projects, so they are quite challenging. Alberta is a real hub for high-end woodworking.”

Mick made an impact beyond the classroom when he ventured into the world of Skills Canada Alberta competitions. He played a pivotal role in training 6 provincial medallists and 2 national medallists in cabinetmaking. He held the role of shop master/workshop supervisor for cabinetmaking at the 40th World Skills Competition hosted in Calgary in 2009, an event that drew more than 100,000 visitors. His tireless efforts continued to benefit Alberta's apprentices who went on to represent Canada at world skills competitions in Leipzig, Sao Paulo, Abu Dhabi and Kazan.

Mick's dedication and contributions did not go unnoticed. In 2011, he was honoured with the Top Instructor Award from the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training board. In 2016 he received the Skills Canada Alberta Volunteer of the Year Award.

In 2016, Mick initiated a legacy project by successfully applying for SAIT's Cadmus Teaching Chair award. This initiative led to the establishment of the Lignum Vitae woodworking show and auction, commemorating SAIT's centennial and showcasing the talents of past and present students and instructors. The proceeds from the event funded the Lignum Vitae Award, presented to apprentices excelling in "creative aptitude and the application of intelligent design principles."

Mick's influence extended to high school carpentry programs, where he shared advanced skills with instructors. This not only fostered enthusiasm and camaraderie but also ensured younger students were inspired with promising trade career opportunities.

The impact of Mick's contributions goes beyond his immediate circle. His colleagues enthusiastically support his induction into the Alberta Trades Hall of Fame, citing his tremendous character and dedication. He has proven that dedication to his students over many decades and is widely celebrated for his immeasurable contributions to his professional discipline and to Alberta.

“It’s an honour,” Mick has said when reflecting on the induction. “It’s quite unexpected. I’ve met so many and had so many crazy, interesting experiences internationally and all over the country. All those doors were opened because of being involved in the trades.”

In recent times, Mick has embraced retirement, on an acreage south of Okotoks with his wife Mary. He takes pride in his three grown children: Matthew in Cochrane, and Becca and Sam in Calgary, all of whom share their father's creative prowess and dexterity with tools. Mick spends his time building and playing guitars and ukuleles, and, when the weather allows, enjoys camping, cycling and kayaking in the great outdoors. Mick remains active and engaged in his post-retirement life, while relishing the well deserved fruits of his inspiring career.