The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) recognized the winners of the 20th annual Apprenticeship Awards on Friday.
Kelly Avery, a long-time employee of the coal mines in the Estevan area who died in January at the age of 62, was posthumously honoured with the Artisan Award. It’s presented each year to someone who has dedicates time to training those entering the trades.
He earned his welding certification in 1977 through the Saskatchewan Technical Institute in Moose Jaw and his journeyman qualification following his training. Upon completion of his crane certification, he began the work that he most enjoyed, and he was a contributing member of the Crane and Hoist Trade Advisory Board and examined national curriculum for crane operators.
His efforts with the Saskatchewan Occupation Health and Safety Division continue to positively impact workplace safety throughout Saskatchewan.
Also recognized were Derek Hildahl of Estevan in the steamfitter-pipefitter category; and Danielle Dixon, a construction electrician, who was one of two recipients of the SaskPower Outstanding New Journeyperson Award.
The annual apprenticeship awards event recognizes a variety of apprenticeship stakeholders, including educators, apprentices and journeypersons, for significant achievements within the apprenticeship and trade certification system.
The SATCC presents many of the awards; industry partners also issue their own scholarships and awards.
“Congratulations to everyone being honoured for their valuable contributions to apprenticeship in Saskatchewan,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Skilled tradespeople – and the employers and instructors who mentor and teach them – will be essential to our province’s economic recovery following this pandemic.”
Typically, an in-person banquet is held in Regina to celebrate the honourees. However, this year’s face-to-face-event was cancelled due to COVID-19. Award winners are being celebrated through a variety of platforms, including the SATCC’s website and social media channels.
Every year, the Outstanding New Journeypersons comprise the largest cohort of award winners. Thirty-two certified tradespeople received the Outstanding New Journeyperson awards this year, which recognize the apprentices who achieved the highest marks on the journeyperson certification exams between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020.
“On behalf of the SATCC, I’m proud to congratulate this year’s Apprenticeship Award winners,” said SATCC board chair Drew Tiefenbach. “While I’d love to shake hands and meet this year’s winners face-to-face, I’m glad we’re still able to celebrate their accomplishments virtually. These winners are integral to the success of Saskatchewan’s apprenticeship system and they deserve to be recognized.”
To learn more about the Apprenticeship Awards and this year’s winners, follow the SATCC on Facebook (@SaskApprenticeship), Twitter (@SKApprentice) and Instagram (@skapprentice) or visit www.saskapprenticeship.ca/apprenticeship-awards/ on the SATCC website.
