10/09/2026
TEPF congratulates Ezekiel Burr on receiving the Derald Fretts Memorial Bursary! Ezekiel completed TEPF’s Pipe Trades program and is now a third-year plumbing apprentice with Balzers Canada. He is currently working at Calgary’s Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Facility, where his team is helping complete the mechanical infrastructure for the facility.
Ezekiel’s interest in the trades started early, working with his hands and building things in the garage with his dad. He knew he wanted a career that would keep him active and allow him to learn on the job. “I think it definitely changed my life story. The fact that it gave me a career path to follow, it gave me something that I wanted to learn, that I wanted to persevere at.” Ezekiel appreciated that the Trades Careers program focused on practical fundamentals, including reading a tape measure, calculating fitting allowances, threading pipe and working safely, skills directly applicable on the job site. His advice to students considering the program is to approach it with an open mind and an eagerness to learn.
Looking ahead, Ezekiel hopes to become dual ticketed in plumbing and pipefitting, giving him more options as his career develops.
We caught up with Ezekiel on site along with his foreman, Logan Bachand (pictured, right), who also spoke about the value of giving high school students opportunities to experience the skilled trades firsthand and determine whether a trades career is right for them.
Congratulations, Ezekiel, as you continue your apprenticeship journey!
The Derald Fretts Memorial Bursary pays tribute to the immense love, passion, and dedication Derald Fretts bestowed upon students, education, and the Alberta community. Awarding a $500 bursary in his name each year, we honour Derald’s memory as a well-loved Calgary teacher and CBE administrator and continue to support his legacy of inspiring and elevating students’ successes.
