Lauryn Chicoine, a proud Mi’kmaq woman and a 2019 graduate of NBCC’s Plumbing program, was recently featured in Maclean’s, Canada’s national magazine, as part of their 2024 College Guide. Known for its compelling longform stories that deepen readers’ understanding of Canada’s most urgent topics, Maclean’s highlighted how Lauryn found work she loved by going to NBCC, along with two other Canadian college graduates, in an article titled “How College Changed My Life.”
In the article, Lauryn reflects on her educational journey and the instant connection she felt while exploring NBCC’s programs online. As she shared with Maclean’s, “I was interested in New Brunswick Community College. On the website for the school’s plumbing program, they pictured a former female student alongside the program overview. Something clicked.” She added, “The more I read about the plumbing industry, the more I liked it. There was great job security—AI could never take over—and plumbing can serve as a springboard for other fields like steamfitting, pipefitting, gas, and heating.”
Lauryn goes on to share how NBCC was a transformative experience, where she felt supported by her classmates and instructors, which boosted her confidence to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field. Today, Lauryn is a strong advocate for women in trades, and her Maclean’s feature serves as an inspiration to current and future learners at NBCC.
This national feature is a proud moment for both Lauryn and NBCC, highlighting the impact graduates can have in shaping the workforce of today and tomorrow.
To read the full story about how an NBCC education changed Lauryn’s life, check out the Maclean’s College Guide feature here.
