The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
A Hudbay machinist ranks as one of Manitoba's top new apprenticeship graduates. Joey Rourke, who works at the company's Flin Flon operations, was honoured at an awards ceremony in Winnipeg last week. All told, 41 awards went to recipients chosen as best in their field, based on criteria such as on-the-job performance, classroom accomplishments and recognition from employers and instructors. Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson hosted the awards ceremony April 26 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. 'These awards recognize 41 talented, newly certified journeypeople for outstanding achievement in the apprenticeship program,' he said. 'Through their dedication and perseverance, they are well on their way to a rewarding career in the skilled trades.' Bjornson also commended the many employers and instructors involved in the apprenticeship program. 'Their support and leadership is invaluable in developing a skilled workforce,' he said. The province has pledged to create 100-plus new apprenticeship seats for skilled trades, including training for railway car technicians, diesel engine mechanics and powerline technicians. Bjornson said these new apprenticeship opportunities are a step toward meeting the province's goal of adding 75,000 workers to the labour force by 2020. Manitoba has more than 50 skilled trades available for apprenticeship and certification in four sectors _ industrial, transportation, construction and service. Apprenticeship includes 80 per cent on-the-job training and 20 per cent in-class learning. Most trade programs take two to four years to complete. After completing classroom and on-the-job training, apprentices can receive journeyperson certification. Over 3,300 employers participate in the apprenticeship program and there are more than 8,000 apprentices in Manitoba. _ With files from a Government of Manitoba news release
