December 3, 2019
Province Announces Winners of the Apprenticeship Awards of Distinction
Apprenticeship Manitoba and the Apprenticeship and Certification Board hosted the 13th annual Apprenticeship Manitoba Awards of Distinction last night at the RBC Convention Centre. Each year, the outstanding contributions that Manitoba employers, journeypersons and instructors make to the apprenticeship and certification system are celebrated at the event where Economic Development and Training Minister Ralph Eichler helped announce the award winners.
A call for nominations this fall resulted in 28 nominees from colleagues, apprentices and community members. A selection committee comprised of Apprenticeship and Certification Board members and Apprenticeship Manitoba staff selected the recipients.
“I am honoured to celebrate trades professionals’ dedication to develop Manitoba’s skilled workforce,” said Eichler. “Manitoba’s qualified trades professionals are important to build a strong and healthy economy.”
The 2019 Awards of Distinction were presented in the following categories:
• employer of the year;
- urban – NAC Constructors Ltd. (construction trades); and
- rural – Smart Electrical Services Ltd. (electrician).
• instructor of the year:
- Brian Gebhardt (bricklayer).
• journeyperson of the year:
- urban – Geoff Guerette (carpenter); and
- rural – Blake Redekopp (carpenter).
This year Apprenticeship Manitoba welcomed Damon Bennett, a television personality and contractor/owner of Bennett Building Company, to deliver a keynote address.
The event concluded Career and Workforce Development Month, including Apprenticeship Recognition Week, which is held each year during the week of the first Monday in November. Award recipients and photos will be posted on Apprenticeship Manitoba’s website at www.gov.mb.ca/wd/apprenticeship/generalinfo/events/index.html.
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