NAIT’s Chair of Culinary Arts sees Skills Competitions as a recipe for success

Getting a young person out of bed at 5 a.m. to prepare for a Skills Competition is not easy – but Stanley Townsend can do it.

Recently named Volunteer of the Year by Skills Canada Alberta, Stanley has been involved with the Skills Competitions for nearly 20 years. He signed on as a volunteer when the first provincial competition was held in Alberta in 1993, and has continued to be involved as a co-ordinator, technical advisor and demonstrator at regional, provincial, national and international levels.

“It is extremely rewarding to work with young people in Skills Competitions,” said Stanley. “There’s nothing that makes my life as full as seeing a young person get enthusiastic about something.”

Originally from Dawson Creek, B.C., Stanley has earned certificates and diplomas from Northern Lights College, Vancouver Community College and NAIT. He is currently the Chair of the Culinary Arts program at NAIT and takes great pride in the work he does to inspire young Albertans. 

“Students can go to school and read books but there’s nothing that’s going to create enthusiasm like giving them an opportunity to do the work,” he said. “Competing in Skills Competitions gets students out of the classroom and gives them a chance to show their skills. It takes courage, builds confidence, and gives young people a real sense of achievement.”

In addition to working with apprentices and high school students interested in pursuing careers in the trades, Stanley often works with challenged youth, making visits to EmployAbilities, the Edmonton Young Offender Centre and the Youth Emergency Shelter Society.

“If I can inspire young people and get them interested or excited about the trades, I’ll do it,” said Stanley. “I tell them to never underestimate their ability to succeed.”

Receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award from Skills Canada Alberta is a great honour for Stanley. “I’m very proud to be part of the Skills Canada organization. The competitions give young people something to be passionate about, and it’s inspiring and exciting to see where that passion can take them,” he said. “Waking up early is just the beginning!”