Top Apprentices Celebrated

November 4, 2011

APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS OF DISTINCTION TO BE ANNOUNCED AT CEREMONY TONIGHT

Professionals who share their time and talents to train Manitoba’s apprentices will be honoured at a special awards gala this evening, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.
“Apprentices across the province rely on the dedication and passion of employers, journeypeople and instructors who are proud to share their experience with students just entering the working world,” said Bjornson.  “Tonight, we will celebrate their hard work by recognizing their accomplishments and their commitment to the future of our province.”
Awards are presented in the categories of:

• instructor of the year;
• journeyperson of the year (urban and rural);
• employer of the year (urban and rural); and
• employer of the year (internationally experienced tradespeople).

A committee made up of representatives from Apprenticeship Manitoba, the Apprenticeship and Certification Board and Manitoba Labour and Immigration reviewed the nominations and chose the top two from each category.
“Skilled trades greatly contribute to the success and prosperity of our province, supporting the growth and development of business and industry in all sectors,” said Bjornson.  “These awards acknowledge support for the skilled-trades workforce and the work of those who share their knowledge through training and education opportunities for apprentices and certification exam challengers new to our province.”
The top nominees include:

• Hal Hokanson, plumbing, Red River College; and Bruce Pentney,heavy-duty equipment technician, Assiniboine Community College; for instructor of the year;
• Paul Brown, industrial instrument mechanic, Manitoba Hydro Selkirk Generating Station; Danny Desrosiers, refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic, Lowe Mechanical Services;Dain Lanouette, machinist, FWS Industrial;andEric McLean, parts person, Murray GM Brandon; for journeyperson of the year;
• PCL Constructors Canada, Colors Beauty and Wellness, Suderman’s Concrete and Edward’s Plumbing and Heating for employer of the year; and
• Morelite Electric and Cancade Company for employer of the year (internationally experienced tradespeople).

The winners will be announced at the Apprenticeship Awards of Distinction gala dinner at the Fort Garry Hotel in Winnipeg this evening and posted online early next week at www.manitoba.ca/tce/apprent/awards.

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