The Alberta Trades Hall of Fame recently inducted Dave King, Lakeland College’s dean of trades and technology, for his contribution to trades education and apprenticeship training in the province.
Read more: Lakeland apprentice outdoes Canada
“I’m honoured to be inducted into the Alberta Trades Hall of Fame. I enjoy coming to work and I’m still a technician at heart. I love engaging with my students,” said King, who lives in Vegreville, Alta.
The Lakeland College alumnus started his career in the trades as a heavy-duty mechanic apprentice in 1985. He now holds Red Seal certifications in both heavy equipment and automotive service.
After two decades in industry, where he mentored numerous apprentices, King joined Lakeland in 2006 and was named dean in 2015 after teaching heavy equipment and automotive for nine years.
King received the honour at a ceremony on Sept. 26 in Red Deer. He attended with his wife, Tori, their daughters Devynn Teel and Courtney King, and Lakeland College president Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart.
Alice Wainwright Stewart president and CEO of Lakeland Courtesy Lakeland College
His current role
In his current role, King emphasizes connecting students, employers and underrepresented groups to trades training and career opportunities. He has served on provincial apprenticeship committees, chaired the Alberta Deans of Apprenticeship and Trades and holds an executive role with the National Deans of Apprenticeship, Trades and Technologies group.
King also serves as the vice president with Skills Canada outside of his role with Lakeland. Since 2007, Lakeland College apprentices have won 30 provincial and six national Skills Canada medals. Carpenter apprentice Logan Peters, who performed well at the national competition, will represent Canada at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
“Dave’s impact is felt in classrooms, competitions, policy discussions and communities across Alberta. His passion, integrity and mentorship have made him a leader in the trades and a builder of its future,” said Wainwright-Stewart.
The ceremony also recognized Lakeland apprentices Ethan Bourgeault, an agricultural equipment technician, and Demi Lofitski, a parts technician, with Top Apprentice Awards. The awards honour apprentices who achieve the highest marks in their final training period and earn strong recommendations from employers.
More information on King and his induction is available on the Alberta Trades Hall of Fame website.
Read more: Lloyd teen powers Alberta to nationals
