Alberta’s top apprentices and their employers are being
recognized for helping
contribute to industry training.
This year’s annual Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board awards were handed out last week to 49 apprentices, two employers and two instructors from towns and cities across the province.
Alberta has 10 ten per cent of Canada’s population, yet trains 20 per cent of the country’s apprentices, said provincial Learning Minister Lyle Oberg.
“We can attribute much of this success to the dedication of our employers and instructors, and in the high-quality apprentices they train,” he said.
The Apprentice Award
recognizes those achieving the highest combined mark during their final period of apprenticeship training, coupled with a strong employer recommendation.
The Employer of the Year Award of Excellence recognizes employers for their unique commitment to training and their investment in the apprenticeship and industry training system.
This year’s winners are L. Robert Enterprises in Fort McMurray, and Kirchner Machine Ltd. in Lethbridge.
Meanwhile, Rob Prediger, an instructor in the automotive service technician program from Fairview College, and Rick Blakeley, an instructor in the parts technician program from Lethbridge Community College, both won the Top Instructor award.
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, an increase of 50 per cent in the past six years.
