Canada's first certified diamond polishers live in Yellowknife
Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Dec 15/00) - Brad Taylor and Andy Thatcher have a lot to be proud of these days.
The two Yellowknifers became the first certified diamond polishers in Canada. They were presented with certificates from the NWT Apprenticeship, Trade and Occupations Certification Board by Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Jake Ootes Dec. 7.
The two men have achieved a level of expertise in diamond polishing that is recognized worldwide, but it wasn't easy.
Taylor, 29, began his career as a diamond cutter. Then just three years ago he met Thatcher, who took him under his wing and taught him how to polish.
"It was a little bit self-taught, but it also helped to have a teacher who had been doing it for a while," he said.
Thatcher, 33, has been in Yellowknife for two years now, but has been polishing diamonds and other gems for many years.
"For me it's a passion, I love cutting and that was my main drive."
He started out as a volunteer cutter in his hometown of Santa Rosa, California before becoming an apprentice in the diamond industry.
The GNWT has taken the initiative in developing Occupational Standards for Diamond Polishers, a tool the diamond industry can use to assess the skills, knowledge and expertise of those working in the field.
"The demand for these standards endorses the need and desire of industry, business and government for a professional work force," said Education Minister Jake Ootes in a news release.
"The government is committed to working with industry to develop standards that ensure NWT residents are ready to take advantage of the many job opportunities being created by work in emerging industries."
