Cordell Cole graduated high school in Halifax and immediately registered at a nearby vocational school to study electrical construction and continue his education. Cordell was fortunate to start his apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 625, enabling him to quickly move through his schooling while maintaining steady work, and received his Red Seal certificate in 1987.
He became active with the executive board of Local 625, becoming an organizer in 1997. After working in the trade for 15 years, Cordell transitioned to become the Assistant Business Manager before assuming the role of Business Manager in 2002. In 2008, he was hired as an International Representative for IBEW.
The Benefits of Unionized Labour & GPMC | NMC
Cordell credits IBEW for everything that he and his family have attained, as organized labour has been a part of his life since 1982. It has provided him with a good standard of living, healthcare benefits, pension, and many training opportunities that have led Cordell to progress in his impressive career. He recalls dealing with the GPMC | NMC very early on in his career.
While working as Assistant Business Manager, his union was involved with two collective agreements in Halifax for the DSL Refinery and Scotian Shelf Offshore. He has served on the GPMC committee since 2008 and has held the position of Secretary Treasurer for the past five years. Cordell feels that the GPMC | NMC provides stable job opportunities for thousands and thousands of building trade members across this country. These long-term well-paying jobs provide members the opportunity to be at home every night with their families.
Outdoor to the Core
A devoted sports fan, Cordell enjoys a wide range of interests including watching baseball and golfing with friends. He also enjoys spending as much free time as possible in the outdoors. Whether it is hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, or riding an ATV, he loves the rush of adrenaline while exploring nature.
In high school, Cordell was a competitive athlete in several sports including volleyball and baseball, which earned him a sports scholarship that he turned down to pursue a career in the trades. As a father, Cordell has continued to share his love of athletics with his children and even coached both their hockey and baseball teams.
Cordell married the love of his life, Gwendolyn in 1995, and have two adult children together. They also have two family pets that include Ace, a one-year-old golden retriever, and Ponchie, their lovable 8-year-old cat. Cordell’s daughter, Lexie, is 25 years old and has just finished her second year of law school (and placing top of her class). His son, Dylan, is 22 years old and is in his last year of business school completing his business degree (majoring in finance) at the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax.
