Gaby Larocque won gold at Skills Ontario, launching her millwright apprenticeship and career in mining.

Gabriele (Gaby) Larocque, a Timmins woman, won gold at the 2025 Skills Ontario competition, becoming Northern College’s first-ever recipient, which launched her into a millwright apprenticeship at IAMGOLD’s Côté Gold Mine. After leaving Queen’s University’s biochemistry program, she embraced a hands-on career, thriving on the mine’s seven-on, seven-off schedule. She credits the competition with building her work ethic and drive, and is on track to earn her millwright license within two years. Committed to mentoring women in trades, she also volunteers as a firefighter, reflecting on her career shift as transformative and the right choice.