Aaron Anderson: Inspiring Ingenuity

Aaron Anderson, a millwright instructor at Northwestern Polytechnic, has an entrepreneurial spirit which he instills in his students. He not only teaches them how to become millwrights but also encourages them to think creatively and use their ingenuity to solve problems. Anderson believes in the importance of collaboration and understanding the big picture.

Aaron is a long-time Peace Region resident, and he still lives close to the family farm he grew up on, north of Sexsmith. He started his millwright career shortly after graduation as a pre-employment student at NAIT and achieved his Journey Millwright and Red Seal in April 1993. Aaron went on to work with several local companies, including South Peace Oilfield Services, South Peace Machine, and Risley Manufacturing Ltd., before joining Northwestern Polytechnic in May 2007. Despite feeling nervous and scared on his first day, Anderson found his footing with the help of his coworkers and a fantastic support group. 

He encourages his students to use creative thinking in their work. 

"The key to success in the millwright trade is having a practical understanding, and I encourage my students to think outside the box and use their ingenuity to solve problems." Anderson said.

Anderson's impact on the millwright industry and the community is significant, and his contributions have not gone unnoticed. Despite his many accomplishments, Anderson remains humble and focused on his work. He is a true inspiration and a role model to his students and the community.

An active supporter in his community, Aaron is a member of the Sexsmith Agricultural Society and the current chair of the Sexsmith Community Foundation. After several years, he retired from involvement with the Sexsmith Minor Hockey Association in 2021.

The most rewarding and exciting part of Aaron's job as a millwright instructor is seeing his students succeed. He takes pride in watching his students’ excitement when they understand a concept. Anderson also enjoys learning from his students, who come from different backgrounds and bring unique perspectives to the classroom.

In the years to come, Anderson's impact on the millwright industry and the community will undoubtedly continue to grow.

If you're interested in pursuing a career in the trades, visit NWP's apprenticeships page at NWP.me/Apprenticeships to learn more and take the first step towards your future!