Our Stories
Leslie Paloheimo has been named the 2024 winner of the Ron Starkey Apprentice of the Year Award at Irving Shipbuilding (ISI). Leslie was among 56 shipbuilders who achieved Red Seal certification in 2024.
Leslie began her shipbuilding journey in 2022 after completing the Metal Fabrication program at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). As part of this program, Leslie participated in and completed a five-week work term at Halifax Shipyard. Now in her third year at Irving Shipbuilding, Leslie is being recognized for being an exemplary trades person.
“It feels very good to have my hard work recognized and to know that my team values me as much as I value them. I feel very proud to represent women in the trades and queer people in the trades.”
Leslie’s advice for current and upcoming apprentices is to bring your best self to work, show up on time, and focus on trying your best every day. “It’s not a mistake unless you can’t fix it. Have fun with the work you’re doing and stay engaged!”
Prior to winning Apprentice of the Year, Leslie has been recognized twice as Apprentice of The Month for her hard work and dedication to her trade. Her approach to work has caught the eye of many of her teammates.
“Over the time Leslie’s been part of my crew, everybody has requested to partner with her,” says David Robar, Production Supervisor, Steel. “I know when I put Leslie on any task, it will be completed with zero defects. From her time during her work placement with NSCC to now as a journeyperson, Leslie has become a shipbuilder that all others should strive to be. I cannot put into words how much of an asset Leslie is to Irving Shipbuilding.”
Established in 2014, the Irving Shipbuilding Apprentice of the Year Award honors veteran shipbuilder Ron Starkey, who started his career as an Apprentice Machinist at Halifax Shipyard in 1987. After earning his Red Seal, Ron dedicated himself to mentoring apprentices until his passing in 2013 after a courageous battle with ALS.
“Leslie consistently goes above and beyond to support her team,” says Beth Hamilton, Team Lead of the Apprenticeship team at ISI. “She has incredible attention to detail and first-time quality. We’ve seen Leslie increase her skill level and knowledge daily, all while mentoring other apprentices around her. Leslie is a ray of sunshine and an absolute joy to be around.”
Along with the Apprentice of The Year recognition, skilled apprentices turned journeypersons are recognized for their exceptional work in their respective trades. These awards are presented to individuals for trades with five or more Red Seal recipients. Congratulations to the winners: David Walshe (Pipefitter) Mary Maloney (Millwright), Eugene Herritt (Electrical) Juno Keizer-Beals (Welder), and Steven Gillis (Metal Fabricator) for their outstanding contributions within their trade.
Congratulations to our new Red Seals! We are proud of the work you do and all your accomplishments. We know you will strive to be positive mentors for the apprentices following in your footsteps.