Electrician Assistant Program Head named top instructor
The Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board has recognized Dave Zdebiak, Electrician Assistant Program Head, as a top instructor.
"He made me believe in myself. He deserves the recognition as a Top Instructor," wrote the student who nominated Dave Zdebiak (above) for the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board.
The award, which was handed out at the at the 10th annual gala earlier this month, recognizes instructors' excellence in training and commitment to apprenticeship.
Being singled out as a top apprenticeship instructor in northern Alberta is a huge honour, said Dave. "It's quite a rewarding experience to know the students look up to you and respect you that much."
Dave worked as an electrician for more than 30 years before becoming an instructor at NAIT in 2000. When he joined NAIT, Dave didn't expect to find passion in teaching. He was more interested in enhancing his technical skills.
But with a supportive department and supervisor, Dave discovered a passion for teaching and, this spring, will graduate with his Bachelor of Education.
It is Dave's passion for his job - for his trade and teaching - that earned him the respect of his students and recognition as a top instructor.
In the words of his student nominator: "He strives to inspire every apprentice to excel in their profession by sharing his knowledge, his past experiences, tips on success, answering all questions we throw at him and challenging us with questions of his own. . .
"He shows great respect towards us and an instructor like him is hard to come by. Because of him, we all know we can succeed. He made me believe in myself. He deserves the recognition as a Top Instructor."
But instructors - especially good instructors - don't exist in a vacuum, said Dave, pointing to the support system at NAIT that starts with the course for new instructors, Becoming a Master Instructor, and continues with the mentorship and assistance of fellow instructors and supervisors.
"If you are good at this job, chances are you are passionate about this job. And you need to let the students see that. Passion is contagious," Dave said.
Related
NAIT Apprenticeship Training
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
