NC’s Vienna Lepple is one of four Canadian apprentices selected for the Dakota Prep Fellowship
Vienna Lepple comes from a family of engineers.
While she expected her path through university engineering to lead directly into design work, a co-op placement made her rethink her journey.
After graduating from automation engineering at McMaster University, and seeking a more hands-on role in industrial automation, Lepple came to Niagara College to become an electrical apprentice.
While at NC, the Barrie native found herself in a natural mentoring role with other students which has earned her recognition as one of only four Canadian apprentices selected for the Dakota Prep Fellowship.
Presented by the developers of a leading Red Seal exam preparation app, the award recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in peer mentorship, community leadership, and a strong commitment to advancing the skilled trades.
“Vienna represents exactly what the Dakota Prep Fellowship is all about,” said Alex Au, founder of Dakota Prep. “She had every reason to take the conventional path, but she followed the work she loved into the trades and then made it her mission to bring her classmates along with her. That’s the kind of leader we set out to recognize, and we’re proud to support her.”
“Vienna is an exceptional student who is truly deserving of this recognition from Dakota Prep,” said Nadja Johnson Bressan, Associate Dean of NC’s School of Trades.
Bressan met Lepple at the beginning of her Level 3 Electrical Apprenticeship to discuss the potential of equivalencies, considering she already held a Bachelor’s degree in Automation.
“Vienna’s reply was: ‘I want to learn, if you don’t mind I will not use equivalences and I will come to class,’ recalled Bressan. “Vienna’s work ethic and curious mind just reinforce the amazing professional she is and will be in the future. She has demonstrated excellence not only as an electrical apprentice, but also as a mentor to her peers. We are confident she will continue to succeed in her career and, along the way, inspire others to see the possibilities within the skilled trades.”
Lepple’s professors attest that her peers felt comfortable turning to her for guidance and support. During breaks, Lepple would often gather classmates in the cafeteria or in an empty classroom, using the whiteboard to explain mathematical concepts and theories in a clear, engaging way – even creating practice exams. She also frequently stayed after class to work one-on-one with students, patiently providing extra help and encouragement to those who needed it.
“If you walk through the campus or the cafeteria you will find Vienna in the middle of a group going over various subjects and assignments,” said one of Lepple’s professor, Mark Bay.
“I enjoy explaining concepts in multiple ways, but most of all I love seeing when the explanation works with their learning style,” said Lepple. “You can see the puzzle pieces fit together and their faces light up with understanding.”
In his letter of recommendation, Bay says he was taken by Lepple’s quiet confidence and humility, despite already having engineering credentials.
While her transfer credits from university made her eligible to skip most of her first term, Lepple wanted to experience it herself.
Bay said that Lepple was always open to learning, asked thoughtful questions, and showed a lot of interest in the material. Her willingness to help others is what made her stand out.
“She was a great asset to both the students and myself,” said Bay, describing Lepple as the “soft spoken, confident leader of her class.”
The win is a second for an NC student. In 2025, alum Olivia Carre was awarded the Dakota Prep Followship.
The national recognition comes with a $1,000 prize that Lepple says she will put towards upgrading her tools as a journeyperson.
Lepple’s journey shows how transformative real-world experiences can be, and why it is important to stay open to changing your path.
“I spent over half of my [university] co-op down on the shop floor with the electrical department, working alongside electrician apprentices,” she said. “I got to see how important the trades were, and how passionate I felt about working within them. From then on, I knew that I wanted to get my ticket and be an electrician.”
Her advice to others: You are allowed to change your mind.
“Don’t be scared to change. You’re allowed to follow your passions. And even if you change your mind later, you’ll still achieve great things. Your journey is never over.”
Lepple is now working as a journeyperson at Innovative Automation in Barrie where they build custom manufacturing lines. A lifelong learner and mentor at heart, Lepple can envision herself teaching in the future.
“Down the line as I learn more, I’d love to come back and go into teaching for the next generation,” said Lepple.
Lepple says she is “honoured” to be selected for the Dakota Prep Fellowship, especially knowing her professors believe in her: Daryl Pooley who taught her about electrical code and being a strong electrician; Mark Bay for teaching prints in an approachable way; and Ed Mokrzynski for supported her as a woman navigating a male-dominated field.
