2005 News Releases

Province recognizes excellence in Alberta’s apprenticeship and industry training system

Calgary... The best and brightest of Alberta's apprentices, employers and instructors are being recognized at the eighth annual Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board Awards on February 17 in Calgary.

The Top Apprentice Awards recognize individuals who achieve the highest combined mark during their final period of apprenticeship training, coupled with a strong employer recommendation. This year, 54 apprentices in Alberta are receiving the award.

"Apprenticeship and the skilled trades play a vital role in maintaining Alberta's vibrant economy," said Advanced Education and Technology Minister Dave Hancock. "Alberta's apprenticeship and industry training system is one of the best in Canada and we can attribute much of this success to the dedication of its employers and instructors, and to the high-quality apprentices they train."

In addition to awards for the top apprentices, two Employer of the Year Awards of Excellence - one for southern and one for northern Alberta - will be presented. These awards recognize employers for their commitment to training and their investment in the apprenticeship and industry training system. This year's recipients are Cycle Works Ltd. of Edmonton, and Quinn Contracting Ltd. of Blackfalds.

The Top Instructor Award pays tribute to instructors for their excellence in delivering technical training to apprentices and their dedication to, and support of, apprenticeship. This year's recipients are David Pare, an electrician instructor at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and Frank Pawlak, a carpenter instructor at Lethbridge Community College.

"In Alberta, we pride ourselves on our world-class apprenticeship system, which wouldn't be what it is without the thousands of apprentices, employers and instructors who demonstrate their commitment to the trades each and every day," said Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board Chair Brian Bickley. "This awards ceremony is our way of saying congratulations and thanks for a job well done."

Alberta's apprenticeship system combines on-the-job and technical training in more than 50 trades and occupations. There are currently more than 40,000 registered apprentices in Alberta, up from 27,000 in 1997.

The Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board Awards are being presented at a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency, Imperial Ballroom in Calgary on February 17, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.

Backgrounder

• Home
• Using this Site
• Contact Us
• Search
• Site Map
• Accessibility
• Privacy
• Website Feedback Survey

• Minister's Office Expenses
• International Travel Expenses
• Alberta Government Ministries