People of Carrier Drive

Michael gazed upward with soft eyes and a grin as he reminisced when he was an electrical instructor. He said, “You can teach the students what is in the book but teaching them about having passion for their career and seeing their smiles are what make my day.”

Interviewing Michael Auchincloss, associate dean, skilled trades & apprenticeship, is eye-opening as he showed his passion for teaching and his will to continue to create equality within his role.

With the smell of coffee lingering in the air, he shared his trade and career journey.

Michael came from a family of six children, with one parent working and one at home, where he learned how to fix bikes and anything he found with his siblings. He recognized his school’s failure to accommodate students’ different learning styles as he struggled with his dyslexia after being diagnosed with this condition in grade four.

It was tough, but Michael said he flourished when he explored metalworking, automotive, electrical and cabinet making in high school. He got to experience the responsibility of being an electrician through working for his grandfather, who was an electrician.

He described an electrician’s work as an artwork and a passion for creating. He shared that seeing the completed work and the happiness of his customers’ faces was memorable and exciting throughout his career.

After years of working as an electrician, he accepted the offer from Joseph Tomona, the former associate dean, and started teaching the electrical apprenticeship at Humber College in 1998. He said, “I love dealing with the students. I love sharing the knowledge that I have learned in the field.” He encouraged students to stop letting their past actions dictate their passion and future.

While currently not teaching, Michael’s involvement with community outreach and workforce development still provides him the opportunity to speak and counsel with prospective students.

His advice to future trades people is to speak to someone who is knowledgeable in the trade. He said, “Ask questions” about what the trades can offer you.