Dan Hathaway
“One of the challenges I’ve repeatedly faced was trying to show others that I had indeed put in the time and dedication into my career, despite my age.”
Dan Hathaway, GSC, HSE Manager, Kiewit
At only sixteen, Dan left high school with aspirations of success. Coming from a family of scholars, made up of Graduates and Doctorates, he selected a different path rather than continuing in the footsteps of his predecessors. The construction industry is where Dan began forming his legacy, and leaving an impact.
Through his on-site experience, Dan began noticing some errors occurring on site that jeopardized the safety of the young workforce. “When you begin to work in construction at such a young age, some can take advantage of the ignorance and little experience the you have. Myself and other workers got placed into situations where we were expected to do the job and not ask any questions. That’s when I realized that there had to be a better way to keep workers safe, especially the young who may be ignorant to what’s going on around them.” At the age of twenty, Dan became the youngest certified Journeyman in Alberta.
Dan has been working in safety for over five years, and has been involved in the health and safety industry for over eight. He’s been passionate about learning as much as he can to help advance his career and has also earned his NCSO, Masters in electrical and his blue seal. Education is a stepping stone for him, thus he felt Gold Seal Certification would be his next logical step in career development.
Dan received his Gold Seal Certification in October 2015. However, Dan faced some adversity along the way. “Being a safety professional at twenty-three years old, many people question you experience and credibility. For me earning my Gold Seal Certification was being able to show that not only do I have the experience, but I have the formal technical knowledge that is nationally recognized to back me up.”
“I live in Alberta, and work in the oil and gas industry. Professional designations are a huge advantage for the individual because you want to separate yourself from the general population workforce. To be nationally recognized by the Canadian Construction Association, no matter what you do, is worthwhile. It displays that you’re dedicated, and that you have the knowledge and technical skills do you job right. I’d encourage anyone who feels they’re deserving of an excellent title, to go and complete their Gold Seal Certification.”