Latest news with #Waples
Wales Online
11-06-2025
- Wales Online
Body of diver discovered nearly 85 metres underwater at disused quarry
Body of diver discovered nearly 85 metres underwater at disused quarry A inquest has been opened into the death of 60-year-old James Waples, who was found at a site popular with divers The Dorothea Quarry in Gwynedd A diver's body was discovered nearly 300ft (85 metres) underwater at Dorothea Quarry, an inquest was told today, June 11. The body of James Waples was found at the former slate quarry close to Talysarn, Gwynedd - a spot which is popular with divers. An inquest into the death of Waples, a 60-year-old ITI engineer from Hertfordshire was opened in Caernarfon by a senior coroner. The inquest heard how North Wales Police received a call at 1.37pm on Saturday, May 31, where it was reported that a diver had died at the quarry. Coroner, Kate Robertson, said: "It seems that Tim Waples had been diving using equipment when he was found deceased at approximately 85 metres depth within the water. "He was confirmed as having passed away a short time later". A paramedic confirmed that Waples had died at 3.32pm. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Article continues below The coroner went on to say that she had ordered a post mortem examination and that the results were awaited. Ms Robertson added: "I have reason to suspect that the death is unnatural." The coroner has opened and adjourned the inquest to allow for further investigations to take place. Article continues below
CBC
30-01-2025
- Business
- CBC
Skilled trades program for Indigenous workers gets $5M as industry faces retirements 'in droves'
Getting more Indigenous people working in the skilled trades will help Canada achieve its housing goals, according to a news release from the federal government. It announced Wednesday it is giving $5 million over five years through the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy to an Alberta-based non-profit that trains Indigenous people for jobs in the skilled trades. "This program absolutely works," said Starla Jacknife, a member of Saddle Lake Cree Nation who graduated from a Trade Winds to Success program in 2023. Jacknife said she was inspired to pursue work in carpentry after seeing an ad for the program featuring a series of women in ribbon skirts. Jacknife said the training she received through Trade Winds to Success prepared her for work by offering safety ticket training, tutoring in math and science and mock job interviews. "Every single day I get to learn something new, hone my skills, work with tools, listen to music, and make money," she said, after nearly two years in the field. About 63 per cent of people who begin work in the skilled trades in Alberta stay in the field after one year, according to Statistics Canada data from 2020. The Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy funds projects that support trades related to home building. "It's clear we need workers and we need them quickly," said Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Steven MacKinnon at a news conference in Edmonton Wednesday. "Construction workers with deep seated knowledge in the exact areas required to build up our country are retiring in droves. They're retiring quicker than we can get more new workers in." By 2033, 263,400 workers in construction — 21 per cent of the current labour force — are expected to retire, according to data from BuildForce Canada. The government of Alberta announced $1.5 million in funding over three years for Trade Winds in December 2024. Trade Winds for Success board member Chris Waples, who is also director of Local 488 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, said this federal funding will allow Trade Winds to train 290 Indigenous workers in areas like carpentry, electrical work, pipe trades and welding. Waples said the training will have additional benefits in Indigenous communities. Trainees are expected to build 13 high-efficiency homes on First Nations and Metis Settlements in Alberta. "Education has the power to change the trajectory of a person's life and we have witnessed first hand the transformative impact our programs have on our students and their communities," Waples said.
