Kevin's Story: Advancing in Asset Management Through Lifelong Learning at NLC

Kevin Bradley’s career has been shaped by adaptability and perseverance. Originally a tradesperson, Kevin transitioned from electrical construction and maintenance fieldwork to a maintenance professional office role. This transition led him to the Maintenance Management Professional (MMP) program at Northern Lakes College (NLC). Now, as a candidate for the Asset Management Professional (AMP) certificate, he sees a direct connection between his studies and his evolving career at Arc Resources, an oil and gas company in Western Canada.

Kevin’s educational journey was prompted by a supportive employer, who encouraged him to take the MMP program to strengthen his qualifications for office-based roles. “My boss at the time said, ‘there’s a really good course put on by NLC for maintenance management professionals,’ Kevin explains. “He said it would help me progress in my career, provide new career opportunities within the office, and having that certification would help my resume stand out.”

Though Kevin had originally attended trade school to become a journeyperson electrician, returning to an academic setting after years in the workforce presented new challenges. “It was different from trade school,” he says. “There’s more research and more reading. Trade school was more hands-on. But NLC’s MMP program was a different kind of learning.”

Balancing work, school, and family life was no small feat, but Kevin credits his ability to manage his time effectively and the support of his wife for making it possible. “No time off,” he reports. “But I’ve got a pretty understanding wife, and I’m pretty good at balancing my time. I have time for my family, time for work - the only thing I’m really missing in the last two years is time for myself!”

Despite the rigorous schedule, Kevin makes it a priority to meet deadlines, even if it means late nights. “If there’s a deadline, I meet it. If I have to stay up until three in the morning to finish an assignment, I’ll do that,” he shares. “My family all go to sleep at 10 or 11 p.m., like normal people, and I’ll be up doing homework until 3:30 in the morning.”

Kevin takes all his courses online, a format that suits his demanding schedule. “The online thing is awesome,” he says. “Some people struggle with it, but for me, it gives me flexibility. I can do my readings on my lunch breaks and manage my own time. I wouldn’t have time to go to a three-hour class in person, but with virtual learning, I can keep working full time.”

While Kevin hasn’t needed to access student support services, he has found mentorship in his workplace and appreciates the instructors at NLC. “One teacher in particular was amazing - my finance instructor,” he recalls. “He would meet me in virtual class sessions off-hours to go over things one-on-one. I wouldn’t say I struggled, but I did need some further help with the financial aspect of the course. Now, I really understand it because of that extra support.”

For anyone considering further education, Kevin’s advice is simple: don’t wait. “Life is short,” he says. “Taking the right steps now can open up opportunities down the road. If you put in the work, things will fall into place.”