“Golden Wrench” recipient revered by students and instructors alike
There’s more to success in the skilled trades than being good with the tools. Technique, problem-solving and creativity are essential but so are soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, if anything is to be fabricated, constructed, improved or repaired.
Nicholas Albury (Industrial Heavy Equipment Technology '25) proved outstanding in striking that balance, pointing him toward achieving goals he’s had since he was a kid who dreamt about working on some of the biggest vehicles and machines going.
This June, the 20-year-old Heavy Equipment Technician apprentice will cross the stage not only as a new grad, but with the distinction of earning what’s known as the Golden Wrench award in each of his four semesters at NAIT – a rare feat achieved only one other time in the history of the program.
Introduced in 2020 in the Industrial Heavy Equipment Technology and Heavy Equipment Technician programs, the award recognizes students who show exceptional dedication and leadership. It’s a peer-nominated honour based on qualities including enthusiasm, teamwork and a willingness to help others succeed.
Albury was recognized for consistently staying late to help classmates, and even often acting like another instructor by stepping in when others needed guidance.
“Nicholas has the kind of leadership, intelligence and drive that really sets him apart,” says Brian Budnyk (Heavy Equipment Technician ’97), Heavy Equipment programs acting chair.
“He’s got a sharp mind, a strong work ethic, and the determination to take on any challenge. There’s no doubt he’s going to do great things in the heavy equipment industry.”
Building a foundation in mechanics
Albury’s passion for mechanics started early – with Lego sets. As a child, he always followed the instructions to the letter, ensuring every piece was in the right place. That attention to detail carries on in his work today.
“I don’t think you’d want a mechanic who just throws parts in and says, ‘This looks cooler,’” he jokes.
In high school, Albury further developed his aptitude for following processes and instructions. During automotive classes, he progressed from changing brakes and tires to diagnosing issues and doing advanced repairs by considering vehicles as a whole – like a finished Lego set – and taking the appropriate steps to get there.
“That’s when I really started to realize this was something I wanted to do.”
“I always had fun in those classes,” he says. “That’s when I really started to realize this was something I wanted to do.”
There was another reason Albury was so diligent in his approach. Competing with his interest in Lego bricks was a passion for trains – and hopes that he may one day work on them as a mechanic. From speaking with journeypersons in the field, he knew that applying the skills he was continuing to hone at NAIT would be the key to keeping him on track.
A leader in communication
Albury’s approach to learning set him up to be a leader in the classroom – particularly with respect to communication.
"In the trade, we commonly deal with customers, owners and other staff, and typically work in teams,” says Budnyk.
“Communication is paramount to things running smoothly. Nicholas was able to effectively work in the team [setting] by mentoring those around him and ensuring they understood material.
In fact, Albury sometimes even gave demonstrations on how certain machines operate, adds Budnyk.
“There is a difference between telling someone about a problem versus painting a picture for them to help them truly understand,” says Albury.
He’s already applying that to the shop, having started his career with a road construction company, where he works on heavy equipment such as skid-steer loaders, pavers and excavators. He aims for top-quality work and a quick turnaround to get machinery back into service as soon as possible, reducing costly downtime.
But the quality of his work environment is equally as important to him. Just as he did at NAIT, Albury strives to promote teamwork and to support others.
“I was honoured to be recognized by my peers and instructors with the Golden Wrench award,” he says. Though classes are over and the members of the “team” he helped foster at the polytechnic have gone separate ways, his philosophy persists.
“I’m excited to cheer on my classmates and our collective success.”