In this powerful and heartfelt episode, host Dan Plexman sits down with Valerie (Val) Vanderwyk, Executive Director of ISEAD - Indigenous Skills, Employment, Apprenticeship & Development - a national Indigenous not-for-profit committed to supporting Indigenous youth, communities, and their pathways into education, training, and the skilled trades.

Val shares her personal story as a Mi'kmaq woman and Sixties Scoop survivor, and speaks openly about the importance of community, lifelong learning, and building relationships based on trust, sincerity, and shared responsibility. She reflects on ISEAD’s longstanding partnership with CUSW, describing it as an unwavering relationship rooted in mutual respect, support, and a genuine sense of family.

Together, Val and Dan explore reconciliation as a personal journey, not a checklist. Reconciliation is a daily practice that shapes how we learn, work, and show up for one another. They discuss mentorship, culture, safety, the ripple effect of leadership decisions, and the importance of creating psychologically safe spaces where people can grow, heal, and contribute in meaningful ways.

This conversation is honest, warm, and deeply human. It highlights what is possible when organizations come together with aligned values, open hearts, and a shared vision for long-term positive impact in communities across Canada.

Want to connect with Val and learn more about ISEAD? Feel free to reach out to her directly at vvanderwyk@isead.ca

Don’t forget to visit www.cusw.ca to explore more opportunities and resources. If you have a story to share, a guest to suggest, or a topic you’d like to hear on the podcast, email Dan at podcast@cusw.ca.

🔻 Learn More About CUSW

Discover who we are and what we stand for: CUSW - Who We Are

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Get the latest news and updates: CUSW News

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Need to contact CUSW? Find out how: CUSW Contact Page

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Explore opportunities to participate and make a difference: CUSW Participation Model

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🎵 Music Credits: Music Credits: Original music by Glen MacNeil (lyrics, vocals, guitar) with production by Brad MacNeil.

Tune in, stay inspired, and keep shining that CUSW spotlight!

As we wrap up 2025, the CUSW Spotlight Podcast turns the spotlight inward for a meaningful reflection on where we’ve been and where we’re headed.

CUSW Chair John Wabb joins host Dan Plexman for a year-in-review conversation that explores the progress, challenges, and collective wins that shaped 2025. From expanded member participation and committee-driven initiatives to a growing emphasis on psychological safety, inclusion, and respectful workplaces, this episode highlights the work happening across the Union, both seen and unseen.

John also looks ahead to 2026, an important election year for CUSW, and explains how workplace elections, national leadership roles, and committees all connect to the union’s bottom-up structure. The conversation reinforces a core message: "Every member has a voice, and every contribution matters."

Whether you’re curious about how CUSW operates, considering getting more involved, or simply want a clearer picture of the union’s direction, this episode offers insight, clarity, and encouragement to be part of what’s next.

Want to connect with John or learn more? Feel free to reach out to him directly at jwabb@cusw.ca

Don’t forget to visit www.cusw.ca to explore more opportunities and resources.

If you have a story to share, a guest to suggest, or a topic you’d like to hear on the podcast, email us at podcast@cusw.ca. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends and colleagues to help shine the spotlight on the incredible work happening at CUSW!

🔻 Learn More About CUSW

Discover who we are and what we stand for: CUSW - Who We Are

🔻 Stay Informed

Get the latest news and updates: CUSW News

🔻 Get in Touch

Need to contact CUSW? Find out how: CUSW Contact Page

🔻 Get Involved

Explore opportunities to participate and make a difference: CUSW Participation Model

🔻 Never Miss an Episode

Catch up on all our podcast episodes here: Listen Here

🎧 Listen Anytime, Anywhere! – Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.

📺 Watch the Podcast on YouTube! – Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel. Watch Here

🎵 Music Credits: Music Credits: Original music by Glen MacNeil (lyrics, vocals, guitar) with production by Brad MacNeil.

Tune in, stay inspired, and keep shining that CUSW spotlight!

In this inspiring episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, host Dan Plexman discusses with Michelle Holmes, Red Seal Electrician, Training Technician at Bruce Power, founding member of the CUSW National Tradeswomen Committee, and the 2025 WiN Canada Mentor of the Year.

Michelle shares her 19-year journey in the trades, from her early apprenticeship days to becoming a respected leader, mentor, and advocate for cultural change within CUSW and the nuclear industry. Together, Dan and Michelle dive into the realities of building a career in a male-dominated field, the power of representation, and why mentorship is essential for helping women and underrepresented members thrive.

Listeners will hear candid insights about:

• Creating pathways for women and girls in STEM and the skilled trades
• How mentorship shapes careers, confidence, and connection
• The origins of the CUSW National Tradeswomen Committee
• The evolution of CUSW’s health, safety, and wellness culture
• Michelle’s role in bringing the Be More Than a Bystander program to CUSW
• The importance of community, family, and belonging in sustaining long careers in the trades

Michelle’s passion for lifting others up, challenging outdated norms, and creating safe, supportive workplaces shines through every part of this conversation. Her story is a reminder that when one person steps forward, others rise with them — and when we build together, we rise together.

Whether you're a tradesperson, a mentor, a student exploring your future, or simply someone who believes in fairness and opportunity, this episode is a powerful listen.

Tune in and be inspired.
Because the future of the trades is diverse, collaborative, and rising together.

Want to connect with Michelle or learn more? Feel free to reach out to her directly at mholmes@cusw.ca

Make sure you visit 𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘄.𝗰𝗮/ to explore more opportunities and resources. If you have a story to share, a guest to suggest, or a topic you’d like to hear on the podcast, email us at 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁@𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘄.𝗰𝗮.

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your network to help shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening at CUSW!

🔻 Learn More About CUSW

Discover who we are and what we stand for: CUSW - Who We Are

🔻 Stay Informed

Get the latest news and updates: CUSW News

🔻 Get in Touch

Need to contact CUSW? Find out how: CUSW Contact Page

🔻 Get Involved

Explore opportunities to participate and make a difference: CUSW Participation Model

🔻 Never Miss an Episode

Catch up on all our podcast episodes here: Listen Here

🎧 Listen Anytime, Anywhere! – Find our podcast on all major directories, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.

📺 Watch the Podcast on YouTube! – Subscribe and watch full episodes on our official YouTube channel. Watch Here

🎵 Music Credits: Music Credits: Original music by Glen MacNeil (lyrics, vocals, guitar) with production by Brad MacNeil.

Tune in, stay inspired, and keep shining that CUSW spotlight!