Susan LeFort

Susan LeFort is a trailblazer. She was the first woman ever to complete Holland College’s Welding Fabrication program, followed by the added profile of Precision Machinist.

The day after she completed her training, Susan began working for Advanced Medical Technologies (now Tube Fab Ltd), where she held various posts, ranging from welding, machining, CNC programmer, source inspector, shop foreman, production manager, and plant manager to senior management, with additional duties includes including HR and sales.  All this she achieved being very much in the minority as a woman in the shop.  During those years Susan attained her Certificate of Qualification as Machinist with Red Seal endorsement.

In 2009, Susan transferred her considerable knowledge of the trades to the Province of PEI with the Department on Innovation and Advanced Learning.  Here, as the Manager of Apprenticeship and Training, she worked to encourage Islanders to consider the trades as a rewarding career, while ensuring that a skilled workforce exists in Prince Edward Island.  Currently, Susan holds the position of Business Development Officer for the Aerospace and Defence sectors with Innovation PEI, where she continues to use her foundational skills supporting clients with her exceptional industry knowledge and professional demeanor.

Susan was an early advocate in our region for women in the trades and she has worked tirelessly to encourage more women to consider non-traditional occupations, citing the gratification of hands-on work, as well as the potential for a highly fulfilling career.  Additionally, she has volunteered her time and expertise provincially, nationally and internationally with Skills Canada, an organization whose mandate is to encourage youth to consider skills and technology-based career options. She has performed the roles of mentor, trainer, judge and expert for Skills Canada and WorldSkills competitions.

Susan received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2014.