Northern Lights College Grad Kory Wood: Another Proud Success Story
Fort St. John resident Kory Wood knows first-hand the importance of education to create opportunity and growth, and of giving back to the community.
A long time Peace region resident and proud member of the Saulteau First Nation, Kory decided to pursue post-secondary education because of his mother’s support and encouragement, and a friend who got him interested in trades.
The accessibility of Northern Lights College allowed Kory to start his career by completing the electrical foundations program. This close-to-home training allowed Kory to continue working as a youth coordinator for the Blueberry River First Nation to supplement his income.
After completing his final apprenticeship year and receiving a Red Seal electrician ourneyman ticket, Kory started his first business. After coming back to NLC to take an electrical code course which earned him his Class B electrical field safety representative certification, he created Kikinaw Energy Services.
"Taking into consideration classroom sizes, interprovincial readiness, support services, lab and classroom resources, industry support, and instructors, I have no doubt that the Northern Lights College electrical apprenticeship program is the best in the province," said Kory.
The training helped him to take his business from a one-man operation to a small business. As the president of Kikinaw Energy Services, he has built a business that has contracts throughout Canada and employ close to 50 people. Some of which graduates of the wind turbine maintenance program at NLC.
"The support I got from the Northern Lights College trades department was an integral part of my professional development," said Kory. “There was a real sense of community; I couldn’t imagine completing my trade anywhere else in the province."
A sense of community has been important throughout his life. Growing up, financial assistance from local programs allowed Kory to take part in athletic programs like minor league hockey, golf, and softball. “Being active in these programs gave me [the skills] that I still use in business today, like strong social skills, confidence, and healthy living."
Understanding the importance of programs for youth, Kory sponsors community programs focusing on youth development activities throughout the Peace region. His company, in partnership with other donors, donated a decommissioned wind turbine to NLC.
Kory hasn’t stopped learning. He recently started working on his Master of Business Administration. "This will help me not only to develop and grow my business, but to help connect First Nations with industry and government."