McShane is the current CEO of the Niagara Home Builders Association. Pictured: McShane giving an address at Niagara College’s Convocation. Photo Credit: Niagara College.
The Niagara College Fall 2024 Convocation ceremonies began last week as the school honoured new graduates on Oct. 24. In addition to celebrating the achievements of more than 1,000 students, a well-known community member was recognized for his outstanding contributions in leadership and advocacy for trades-based careers.
Chuck McShane is a Niagara resident, tradesman and businessman, who currently serves as the CEO of the Niagara Home Builders Association. Through it all, McShane encourages young people to pursue pathways in the skilled trades, and has always worked hard to enhance trades educational opportunities in the Niagara Region and beyond.
“Chuck is a true supporter of our college,” shared Niagara College President Sean Kennedy while remarking on McShane receiving an Honorary Diploma in Skilled Trades from the school. “We value his spirit of creativity and collaboration, which has helped to equip our School of Trades students with valuable hands-on experience to add to their toolkits.”
The Niagara Independent reached out to McShane directly for further comment.
“I was totally gobsmacked when they reached out to me back in September,” McShane recalled. “And then, from the moment that they called me, working up to it, and right through the event itself, they treated my family, friends, colleagues and I like absolute gold!”
McShane also took some time to reflect on the experience of taking part in the convocation ceremony alongside hundreds of young graduates.
“It was overwhelming to be there… and to make that walk up to the stage, and look over the crowd, where you see pride on the faces of those graduating, and their loved ones,” McShane explained. “Our youth is moving forward and they want to better themselves, which is great.”
“They’re our future generations, they gotta take the call and go with it… and this college is just such a great community to help make it all happen.”
Niagara College, McShane says, is playing a pivotal role in helping to educate young people for rich and rewarding careers in the trades.
“We have a huge number of people leaving the workforce every day, and the trades are no exception… we need people to fill the needs,” McShane noted. “Niagara College is amazing… they are involved in numerous fields, they provide the grassroots training and hands-on skills that are needed to be successful in so many potential lines of work, and we are very fortunate to have them in our community.”
McShane closed by sharing some words of wisdom for young people that echoed his Convocation speech, as they prepare to enter the job market.
“In the book of life, you have closed one chapter and started another,” McShane said. “Your story will continue, and though it won’t always be a fairy tale, it will be yours to write. Find courage when there is weakness, happiness when there is despair, and resiliency when facing challenges.”
Of the 1,000 Niagara College students who were honoured at the October 24th Convocation ceremonies, nearly 300 were graduating from the School of Trades. Those interested in learning more about the School of Trades can do so at the following link: School of Trades.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
