Vegreville Resident Inducted into Alberta Trades Hall of Fame

 Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Vegreville resident, and dean of Lakeland College’s School of Trades and Technology, Dave King, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to skilled trades and apprenticeship education in Alberta during a special ceremony on Sept. 26.

 He was joined at the event by his wife Tori, daughters Devynn Teel and Courtney King, and Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart, President and CEO of Lakeland College. King and his family have resided in Vegreville for the past 27 years and he has volunteered with a number of organizations since that time.

“I am incredibly humbled and grateful to be inducted into the 2025 Alberta Trades Hall of Fame. This recognition is not just for me, but for everyone who has been a part of my journey—my mentors, colleagues, and the incredible community of tradespeople who inspire me every day. Trades are the backbone of our industry, and it’s a privilege to be part of such a talented and dedicated group. I’m excited to continue contributing to the future of this field and to support the next generation of trades professionals.”

He added, “We come to work, we do our job and we hope we’ve changed people’s lives. I enjoy coming to work. I’m still a technician. I still love talking to my students,”

There have been many outstanding students from the region graduate from Lakeland College’s School of Trades since he began teaching there in 2006.”

 Since 2008 Lakeland students have earned 30 Alberta Provincial Skills Canada medals and six National Skills Canada medals. “I need to mention that Travis Dowhun, of Vegreville is one of those 30 provincial medalists. He received a silver medal in Automotive Technology in 2013.” Additionally, Lakeland students Benjamin Jamison and Logan Peters will be competing for Team Canada at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

 “After nine years working with a great group and having over 500 students go through my classes, I decided to move more to the administrative side. I became Chair of the School of Trades and Technology in December of 2014 and after the existing dean decided it was time to retire. I threw my name into the competition for dean. Low and behold, I was offered the position and started as dean on July 1, 2015. It was a meteoric rise from Instructor to dean, but I was ready, and it has been a great transition!

In 2021, I was afforded the opportunity to add the role of dean of the Emergency Training Centre to my portfolio as well as Trades & Technology. I give many thanks to the life experiences I have gone through along the way including over 18 years involved as a volunteer firefighter.

With every job there is challenges and conflicts along the way, but after witnessing and being part of many tragic incidents as a firefighter and many scenarios involving my career in the trades, these everyday conflicts become very easy to resolve when you have a vision of the "bigger" picture!

I held the role of dean of ETC for just over a year but found many challenges in juggling the rigors of both schools and their schedules. I have relinquished the role of dean, ETC and have gone back to the sole role of dean, Trades and Technology.”

For King, “The most gratifying aspect for me is seeing people thrive in an environment they have chosen as a career, whether it is a staff/faculty member or a student. I also get to collaborate with my fellow deans within the college, province, and country, as we all have the same interest in higher education.

As far as the future of trades and technology in the province, King replied, “I am very optimistic and excited about trades and technology in Alberta moving forward. Our Government of Alberta understands the importance of trades and technology within the province and beyond. I want to leave a legacy of having industry continue to regard Lakeland grads as highly sought after and professionally trained by some of the best faculty and staff in the post-secondary sector.”