Eric Swanson has been a Carpenter Apprenticeship Instructor at RRC Polytech for just over a decade. Last week, he was shocked and humbled to learn he was receiving the "Technical Training Instructor of the Year" award at the 18th Annual Awards of Distinction hosted by the Apprenticeship and Certification Board at the RBC Convention Centre, where Apprenticeship Manitoba honored him with this award.
"It was unreal. I was so nervous sitting there when the nominations showed up. It seemed something like the Academy Awards, and it was unexpected for me to win that award," said Swanson. "It was a special moment for me."
The award honors individuals who have made a significant impact in the skilled trades by mentoring and training apprentices, with nominations coming from the apprentices themselves.
Eric teaches his students everything from wood frame constructions to roof framing, such as site layout (surveying sites), installation of exterior finishing products, and safe operations of tools and equipment. He feels truly honored that all the work he put into his teaching is worthy of the award.
Emotions ran high as he shed tears while receiving this award - not only in front of his peers and the student apprentice who nominated him, but also in front of Swanson's first instructor when he was attending the program, who ten years later is now the program Chair of Construction Trades at RRC Polytech, Scott Savoy.
"I want to inspire my students just like my instructor [Scott] inspired me to teach. I hope ten or 15 years from now I will be able to watch my students winning awards and can feel the same sense of pride my colleagues felt seeing me be recognized by my students and receive this award," said Swanson.
Scott Savoy attended the ceremony to watch his student, instructor, and now colleague, Eric, accept the award for his outstanding ability to inspire and impact his students.
"It was a very emotional evening. I was surprised but also felt very, very proud of Eric," said Savoy, with a big smile on his face. "This recognition solidifies the fact that we're doing the right thing at this college, that we're making a difference in the lives of people here."
Scott believes the future of the trades program and the college is in good hands, as this recognition signifies the positive impact the program has on students.
Alongside Eric, the college is proud to have other nominations as well, including Alex Lagasse (Plumbing), Glenn Schapf (Automotive), and Mark Klimchuk (Autobody).
Since the nominations come from an apprentice, it reflects the positive influence and empowerment the instructors provide through their teaching and training.
Joel Gustafson, a Carpentry apprentice who was a student in Eric's class last fall, nominated him for the award.
Joel received an email from Skills Manitoba a not-for-profit organization that has been organizing the Awards of Distinction Gala for five years to nominate an instructor for this award.
Throughout the course, Joel remembered that email - as his instructor, Eric, constantly demonstrated his dedication that went far beyond just being an instructor. He knew Eric was deserving of this award and recognition for his commitment to his students.
"Eric is more than just an instructor of the year, and I feel great pleasure being the one to be a part of his journey," said Joel. "I'm glad there is an opportunity for people like Eric to receive prestigious recognition, and I hope humanity continues rewarding the deserving and helping those who have the inability to achieve rewards like this one."
Eric describes his relationship with his students as one of friendship. He hopes his students continue to treat their colleagues with the same respect, understanding, and compassion they practice in class into their future workplaces.
In a world of flashy celebrations, Eric found peace holding his wife's hand and celebrating this success with a bottle of water while driving his car to their kids back at home.
Congratulations to all the nominees!
