Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) has announced the launch of its inaugural apprenticeship awards.

The awards are designed to formally recognize those working to an exceptional degree within Ontario’s skilled trades.

“Ontario is fortunate to have many outstanding tradespeople who elevate the industry through their expertise and commitment,” said Melissa Young, STO’s Registrar and CEO. “These awards will provide an opportunity for colleagues and mentors to recognize champions of the trades.”

The STO Outstanding Apprenticeship Award will recognize one outstanding apprentice who goes above and beyond the norm in their dedication to their trade and their apprenticeship.

Eligible nominees must be a registered apprentice with the Province of Ontario and have completed Level 1 in their trade. Nominees also require a positive attitude, superior attendance record, leadership in the workforce and excellence in their trade and workplace safety.

The STO Award of Excellence will recognize the valuable contributions the recipient has made to encourage and support trade certification among apprentices, promoting the value of certification within the skilled trades.

Nominees must be employed in a position directly related to one or more of the skilled trades in Ontario, such as a safety and human resource professional, post-secondary instructor, employer, union or association representative. They must be strong, vocal advocates for the trades, promote the value of apprenticeship and certification, and demonstrate qualities of outstanding leadership in safety, skill expertise, team building and collaboration.

Nominations will be open until September 30, and the award winners will be announced at the 2024 Ontario Apprenticeship Summit on November 6.