Quentin Lindbergh’s journey through the Northern Lakes College Carpenter Apprenticeship program is a testament to his dedication to craftsmanship and the opportunities provided by a career in the trades.

At just 17 years old, Quentin began his career in carpentry through his high school's Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). "I always knew I wanted to work in the trades," Quentin recalls. "I thought building stuff from scratch was really cool and I really enjoyed framing, so I knew carpentry was for me."

Following Quentin’s exposure to the carpenter trade through RAP, he enrolled in the Northern Lakes College Carpenter Apprenticeship program at the Slave Lake Campus, where he was the youngest apprentice in his class. However, Quentin felt completely comfortable in his program. "It was a great program," he shares. "There weren't that many students in my class, and we got a lot of one-on-one time."

A significant factor in Quentin's success was the fact that NLC offered the program in his hometown. "The program was really accessible to me because of the location," he explains. "I grew up in Slave Lake, so I didn't have to find a new apartment or leave everyone I've ever known to go to school."

During his apprenticeship, Quentin found fulfillment in contributing to projects in his community, including building houses and working on projects for Alberta Parks. “We built houses in town, and a big shop on Caribou Trail - I learned a lot on that one! And we also did some cool jobs for Parks, like rebuilding the staircases at Devonshire Beach.

Upon completing his Journeyman ticket, Quentin's career took a new turn when his original mentor closed up shop due to a move out of town. Taking initiative, Quentin opened his own business in Slave Lake, where he now hires his former employer on a casual basis when extra work is needed. "I would have liked to work for him a little while longer," Quentin shares, "but I was able to get along without him, too. I actually hired him to help me with a big project this last year."

Looking to the future, Quentin hopes to continue growing his business and providing opportunities for others in the trades. "I hope to hire a couple more people to help me in the next five years," he says. "I'd really like to train an apprentice. Right now, I'm working on a 6000 square foot shop with a large mezzanine. It's a great project, and I love the freedom that comes with working for yourself and on your own time."

Quentin's advice to students entering the Carpenter Apprenticeship program reflects his own journey of growth and success. "Invest as much as you can in your tools and find a good mentor," he advises. "Education matters a lot."

Quentin's journey through the Carpenter Apprenticeship program at Northern Lakes College exemplifies the transformative power of passion, dedication, and the opportunities provided by education. Through his commitment to craftsmanship and his entrepreneurial spirit, Quentin continues to build his own success while inspiring others to pursue their dreams in the trades.