Kevin Young: Two Tickets to Success

Got something that needs fixing? If you’re part of the Electrician, Parts Technician or Industrial Mechanic programs at Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP), there’s just one person you call. Kevin Young is the multi-talented individual they rely on to keep their equipment running at its best.

Kevin earned his electrician ticket at NWP and went on to build experience in the oilfield for close to a decade. When the shop technician position opened up in 2016, the timing was right. Kevin was ready for a lifestyle change and made the move into the new role.

“He has a sharp technical mind and a work ethic that quickly made him indispensable,” says Clint Derocher, NWP’s Industrial Trades chair. “On the shop floor, he’s one of the most competent technicians I’ve encountered in my career.”

Because the job is supporting the Industrial Mechanic (aka Millwright) program, the department soon suggested that it could be mutually beneficial for Kevin to pursue that ticket as well.

“The school was definitely on board,” says Kevin. “It’s quite desirable for my work supporting the Industrial Mechanic department to have these skills.” So Kevin added apprentice millwright to his job title and began balancing full-time work with earning the new credential. With the department’s approval and many hours of preparation, he challenged the first three years of the four-year program. Kevin then returned to the classroom for the final eight weeks of instruction.

“It was a nice change to be back in class,” Kevin remarks cheerfully. “I got some hands-on work in less familiar areas.” Another positive was the wide range of ages and knowledge among the students. “People who had some experience could explain concepts in a different way from the teachers,” Kevin recalls. “And I could share my electrician experience and help out others.”

Kevin achieved top marks in both of his fourth-year classes and says his years on the job definitely played a role. He also credits the instructors with providing valuable extra learning materials on top of regular classwork. But he acknowledges his many hours of study as well.

“I put in a lot of effort this year,” says Kevin. “And my wife Meghan was really helpful in making sure I had the time.” Their teamwork seems more impressive when Kevin adds that they welcomed their first child, a boy, in September of 2025. “It turned life upside down,” he laughs.

How does Kevin feel about adding the Industrial Mechanic ticket to his toolbelt?

“It honed my mechanical skills. It makes me really well-rounded,” he reflects. “I feel like I could fix anything.” Kevin has to think carefully when asked which is his favourite. “I definitely recommend both,” he says. 

“Millwright work uses your hands more. Electrician is more about reading blueprints and schematics. I get something out of both of them. It’s made me so versatile.”

Clint, as Kevin’s supervisor and instructor, agrees that Kevin brings an impressive range of skills to his job. “On any given day, Kevin might be running a lathe, setting up a milling machine, laying a weld bead, or troubleshooting an electrical fault. That breadth isn’t common, even among seasoned tradespeople,” he says admiringly.

Kevin has worked hard to build his skills and reputation in the programs he supports, and says he feels valued and respected in return. NWP is fortunate to have Kevin and his comprehensive skillset on board to keep our learning environments running safely and reliably.