Human Resources 101

Edmonton… Top-notch apprentices, employers and instructors are being honoured for their exceptional achievements in the trades at the 10^th annual Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board Awards event in Edmonton.

Each year, apprentices who achieve the highest marks in their final period of apprenticeship for their trade, supported by strong recommendation from their employers, receive a Top Apprentice Award. This year, 52 apprentices are being awarded for achieving excellence in their trades.

“Alberta is a leader in apprenticeship and industry training, and these award recipients have helped to build and maintain the province’s impressive global reputation,” said Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. “These individuals have greatly contributed to the province through their consistent hard work and determination, and will undoubtedly serve as role models for all people in the trades.

Two employers will receive awards – one from the north region of the province and one from the south – for their outstanding contribution to the apprenticeship and industry training system. The Employer of the Year Award of Excellence recipients for 2005-06 are Ace Construction Company Inc. of Calgary and Daniel’s Welding Ltd. of Edson.

Top instructor awards recognize instructors’ excellence in training and commitment to apprenticeship. They will be awarded to Dave Zdebiak, electrician instructor at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and Chris Taggart, millwright instructor at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

“Our 2006 award recipients deserve big congratulations, and there’s no better way than a night of celebration to honour Alberta’s best in the trades,” said Brian Bickley, chair of the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board. “Hard working individuals along with the support of industry and government help Alberta’s apprenticeship and industry training system to remain strong and able to meet the demands of a growing workforce.”

For more information about apprenticeship, visit http://www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca A list of award recipients by name and trade can be found online at: http://www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca/scholarships_awards/top_apprentice_2006.asp

This announcement is one of the key actions under Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to build a stronger Alberta. Other priorities for the government are to govern with integrity and transparency, manage growth pressures, improve Albertans’ quality of life and provide safe and secure communities.

Alberta awards honour top apprentices, employers and instructors.