Garet Francis
Garet Francis of Elsipogtog First Nation took home the “Outstanding Apprentice Award” from MAP Strategic Workforce Services’ (MAPSWS) Annual Distinction in Mentorship event on December 2, 2021. His dedication to his trade and employer, McGraw Seafood, contributed to his win. Garet’s career journey has had challenges but he proves that perseverance and accepting support will help you accomplish anything you put your mind to.
Garet is currently a Construction Electrician with McGraw Seafood, an Indigenous-owned and operated production plant. He supports any electrical requirements during production and is working towards his goal of becoming an Industrial Electrician. Garet loves the work he does, especially being able to work with people from his community. He loves bragging about Elsipogtog saying he’s “proud to be with Elsi!”
His journey into the trades started in 2012. Garet began work as an insulator at Kent Homes and one day found himself asking his manager for harder work. He thought the electrical work looked fun and challenging, asking if this was something he could get into. Kent Homes was quick to support Garet, getting him started with hands-on training and mentorship. During his time at Kent Homes, Garet was able to accomplish one year of NBCC’s pre-employment program, as well as completing his Block 1 and 2 as a Construction Electrician.
To advance in his career, with his goal to become a licensed electrician, Garet had to change companies. Garet spent 2 years at Mic Mac Industries of Big Cove Inc., and then found himself with McGraw Seafood shortly after. His license was within reach after years of hard work, but the unthinkable happened which set him back in achieving his goals.
In 2018, Garet’s cousin Brady Francis lost his life in a hit-and-run. Garet is open about how this affected his mental health and his career; he had to take time off to heal. His apprenticeship mentor, Wade Wheaton, encouraged him to focus on his mental health, not give up, and return when he was ready. With the support of Wade and McGraw Seafood, Garet did just that.
Working with a spiritual leader from his community, Garet used Indigenous healing practices to focus on his mental, physical, and spiritual health. He says that although it was a tough road, he persevered through this challenging time and never gave up. Two years later, in the summer of 2021, Garet wrote and passed his final exam, becoming a licensed Red Seal Construction Electrician. His recent award with MAPSWS is proof of Garet’s success despite his challenging journey. Support from people like Wade Wheaton, who nominated him for the MAPSWS award, has been key to his accomplishments.
One of Garet’s goals is to help others struggling with mental health challenges continue to grow in their careers while taking care of themselves, like how his mentors supported him. “I want to help someone be a better person, mentally and spiritually,” Garet says. In addition to becoming a mentor, Garet is working towards obtaining his Industrial Electrical License while continuing with McGraw Seafood. He encourages Indigenous peoples to get more involved in the trades, saying that the opportunity to work with your hands, stay physical, and support your community is enough of a reason.
Garet encourages people to “be proud of yourself, be confident, be proud of your work, and set goals to accomplish in life.” This same mindset helped Garet persevere and achieve everything he has been able to today. The team at JEDI would like to congratulate Garet on all his success, wishing Garet a prosperous future!