Awards & Events

Five blue acrylic and wood Awards of Distinction trophies lined up behind certificates on a table at the award presentation evening event.

The 19th annual Apprenticeship Awards of Distinction gala was held on November 27, 2025. Each year, this event honours the outstanding journeypersons, employers, and instructors who exemplify the very best of our skilled trades community.

Nearly 400 attendees gathered this year to celebrate their achievements and the strength and resilience of Manitobans. From delivering services we need, building homes and maintaining infrastructure, and advancing innovative technologies, tradespeople are at the heart of our province’s growth and prosperity.

This year, 37 business and individuals were nominated by colleagues, apprentices and industry members. Whether through business leadership, mentorship, teaching, or excellence in their craft, each nominee plays a vital role in strengthening Manitoba’s skilled trades. Their contributions and achievements were proudly celebrated at this year’s Awards of Distinction.

The 2025 Awards of Distinction winners were:

  • RURAL AND NORTHERN EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
    JM Truck & Trailer Repair Ltd.
  • URBAN EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
    Transcona Roofing
  • SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONALLY EXPERIENCED TRADESPERSONS – EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
    genAg Inc.
  • PRE-EMPLOYMENT INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR
    Alysha Willis, Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology
  • TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR
    Garry Jones, Assiniboine College
  • RURAL AND NORTHERN JOURNEYPERSON OF THE YEAR
    Terry Hayward, Truck and Transport Mechanic
  • URBAN JOURNEYPERSON OF THE YEAR
    Andy Kehler, Automotive Service Technician

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Awards of Distinction!

We’re excited to celebrate a major milestone together—join us in 2026 for the 20th Annual Awards of Distinction, marking two decades of excellence and achievement.

Nomination Forms

Do you know a deserving employer, journeyperson, or instructor who has made an outstanding contribution to the apprenticeship training system? A person who has made a difference in the skilled trades? Consider nominating someone today!

Check back in Fall 2026 for information on Awards of Distinction nomination forms.

Sponsorship Opportunity

Sponsoring an awards event is an excellent opportunity to enhance your company’s visibility and recognition in the community. It also shows your commitment to raising the profile of a career within the skilled trades.

Check back in Fall 2026 for information on Awards of Distinction sponsorship opportunities.

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The Highest Achievement Awards take place in the spring to recognize apprentices who have completed the training requirements and to honour excellence in academic achievements and on-the-job training. Two journeypersons who received certification through trades qualification are also recognized.

Awards include:

  • Ron Krishka Memorial Award
  • Internationally Experienced Tradesperson Award
  • Highest Achievement Awards are given out for each trade.
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