Blair Mikkelsen Awarded 2021 National Electrical Trade Council Leadership Excellence Award

EIN NETCO leader 400

May 30, 2022

On day one of the National Electrical Trade Council (NETCO) annual educational conference that is hosting leaders from the electrical industry from across the country for two days of networking, education, a trade show and the annual award presentation, NETCO was pleased to present their annual Leadership Excellence Award to someone from the east coast and this year’s recipient fits the bill and exemplifies excellence. This year’s recipient was Blair Mikkelsen, Training Director at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 625 in Nova Scotia.

NETCO Executive Director Chris Swick said the presentation of this award is bittersweet but is well deserved and Mikkelsen will be missed for his active role in educating the future of the electrical industry. “We are thankful for his many contributions and are honoured to present him with this award.”

“Mikkelsen has been described as passionate about the industry and the success of apprentices. There is a consensus among his peers that there will be a huge void and big shoes to fill when Mikkelsen retires this year and on behalf of NETCO we thank him and wish him all of the best,” said Swick.

Trent Soholt, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council says Mikkelsen constantly looks for new and innovative ways of promoting and implementing apprenticeship and electrical training.

“From incorporating technology such as cameras and screens, to new technology (including solar and industrial-grade machinery) in training programs and career promotion, Mr. Mikkelsen is often on the cutting edge of training methodology while promoting them among the training team at IBEW 625,” said Soholt.

“As a leader, Mr. Mikkelsen is continuously looking for opportunities to improve apprenticeship training to educate the existing workforce and to engage the workforce of tomorrow. As an organization that engages youth job seekers and career transitioners, we regularly call on him to showcase the trade, promote the electrical sector, highlight training opportunities, and share career experiences. When he is unable to participate, he is the first to find another who can exemplify the trade as effectively as he does,” explained Soholt.

A congratulatory video was played for delegates from several individuals from the Nova Scotia Apprentice Agency (NSAA) including David Crawford, David Hapgood, John Daigle, and Marjorie Davison, CEO of NSAA.

NETCO looks forward to their 2023 conference in Toronto and honouring the next Leadership Excellence Award Winner.

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Skills Ontario Supports Ontario’s Investments in Skilled Trades in Budget Announcement

    Skills Ontario Supports Ontario’s Investments in Skilled Trades in Budget Announcement

    March 28. 2024 As demand for skilled trades professionals rises, Skills Ontario is commending the government for continued investments in skilled trades and technology programing, working to address the shortfall and need to build the workforce of the future in Ontario.  The skilled trades shortage is costing Ontario approximately $25 billion in foregone GDP. A… Read More…

  • IVRY Launches 7 New VR Lessons

    IVRY Launches 7 New VR Lessons

     IVRY Technologies, a division of IDEAL Electrical, is launching seven new virtual reality (VR) lessons in Canada as part of its Virtual Electrical Training (VET) Series 2 training module. The cutting-edge training will serve as a learning resource for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) training centers across Canada. Read More…

  • PEI Budget 2024 Signals Continued Focus on Healthcare, Housing and Affordability for all Islanders 

    PEI Budget 2024 Signals Continued Focus on Healthcare, Housing and Affordability for all Islanders 

    March 28, 2024 Hon. Jill Burridge, Minister of Finance, presented government’s 2024-25 operating budget to the legislative assembly, outlining $3.2 billion in investments for Prince Edward Island with a continued focus on healthcare, housing and affordability measures. “This budget signals where we’re headed as a province and shows Islanders where we will be making key… Read More…

  • BC’s Budget 2024 Prioritizes Actions for Low-Carbon Economy

    BC’s Budget 2024 Prioritizes Actions for Low-Carbon Economy

    March 28, 2024 Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston, met with community climate leaders in Nelson to discuss how Budget 2024 can help support people in the region to transition to a low-carbon economy and meet shared CleanBC goals. “Our government’s budget this year reflects the… Read More…