Apprenticeship and Certification Board

About the Board

The Apprenticeship and Certification Board is responsible for:

  • developing a strategic plan every five years
  • producing an annual report
  • supporting employer and employee participation in the apprenticeship and certification system
  • advising the minister about training needs and Manitoba’s labour market needs for skilled tradespersons
  • participating in interprovincial apprenticeship initiatives

Vision:

To have highly skilled tradespersons and an inclusive workforce that meets industry and labour market needs in Manitoba.

Mission:

Deliver an industry-driven and vital apprenticeship training and certification system that provides tradespersons the skills to be job-ready and contribute to a skilled Manitoba workforce.

The board consists of up to 12 members, each appointed by the minister:

  • chairperson
  • secretary* (position held by the executive director of Apprenticeship Manitoba)
  • technical training provider representative*
  • public interest representative
  • four employer representatives
  • four employee representatives

*denotes a non-voting member

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    Tanya Palson

    Board Chair

    Tanya Palson currently holds the position of executive director with Manitoba Building Trades. Tanya has obtained a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Manitoba and recently completed a certificate in public policy analysis from the London School of Economics. Tanya is currently serving as a board member for BUILD Inc.

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    Glenn Laycock

    Vice Chair of the Board / Employer Representative

    Glenn Laycock currently holds the position of vice chair of the Northern Manitoba Sector Council. Glenn has obtained a bachelor of science in environmental studies from the University of Winnipeg. He currently serves as a member on the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund Application Review Committee.

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    Meghan Lavallee

    Secretary

    Meghan Lavallee currently holds the position of executive director with Apprenticeship Manitoba. Meghan has a background in post-secondary, previously working with the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology as director of career and student engagement. Meghan also served as Vice-President of strategic development at Career Trek.

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    Rene Beauchamp

    Employee Representative

    Rene Beauchamp obtained Red Seal certification in the trade of Industrial Mechanic from University College of the North (UCN) in The Pas in 1996 and spent 38 years with Hudbay. During that time, he has held multiple positions with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1848, most recently serving as President. He has received extensive training in labour relations and has experience in the automotive and heavy duty mechanic trades.

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    Ronald (Ron) Castel Sr

    Employee Representative

    Ron Castel currently holds the position of international representative, Western Canada – membership development, Indigenous relations with the International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators Allied Workers. Ron has obtained a bachelor of arts from the University of Winnipeg and has received two diplomas from Red River College Polytechnic, the first in human resource management and the second in community economic development. In the past, Ron has served as director of Indigenous relations with Manitoba Building Trades, an Indigenous union representative for the Allied Hydro Council of Manitoba and as an Indigenous liaison for the Manitoba Construction Sector Council.

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    Ramona Coey

    Employer Representative

    Ramona Coey currently serves as executive director for both the Mechanical Contractors Association of Manitoba and the Electrical Contractors Association of Manitoba. Ramona has advanced industry strategic priorities, focusing on advocacy, member value, organizational excellence, and elevating the profile of Manitoba’s trade contracting sector. She holds an advanced degree in applied economics from the University of Manitoba and brings extensive governance experience through service on education, health, and social services boards. Ramona has a deep appreciation for the construction industry as a driver of economic prosperity and community well-being and is proud to represent industry as an employer representative on the Apprenticeship and Certification Board.

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    Shawn Henry

    Employer Representative

    Shawn Henry currently holds the position of project manager with WesCan Electrical & Mechanical. Shawn has obtained Red Seal certification in the trade of Plumber and sits as chair on the Mechanical Construction Association of Manitoba (MCAM).

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    Warren Herntier

    Employee Representative

    Warren Herntier currently holds the position of director of apprenticeship and training with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 2085. Warren has obtained Red Seal certification in the trade of Construction Electrician and has completed all theoretical courses for his diploma in vocational education from Red River College Polytechnic.

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    Carol Paul

    Employer Representative

    Carol Paul currently holds the position of executive director with the Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC). Carol holds a master’s degree in adult education and received her certification as an essential skills profiler through Bow Valley College.

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    Aarti Sharma

    Employee Representative

    Aarti Sharma currently holds the position of business representative for the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 987. Aarti holds degrees in labour studies and management, and in social work.

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    Chris Taran

    Public Interest Representative

    Chris Taran currently holds the position of international representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Chris has obtained Red Seal certification in the trade of Construction Electrician and is a former technical vocational instructor with Red River College Polytechnic and the Manitoba Institute of Trade and Technology.

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Section 6(2) of The Apprenticeship and Certification Act states that “Each member must, in the opinion of the minister, be knowledgeable about designated trades or occupations, or the needs of the Manitoba labour market for skilled trades and trained persons.”

All applications must be sent (along with applicants resume) to:

  • Email: agenbrdcom@gov.mb.ca
  • Mail: Agencies, Boards and Commissions
    508-386 Broadway
    Winnipeg, MB R3C 3R6

For additional information about the process for becoming a board member, please visit: www.gov.mb.ca/government/abc/index.html.

For any additional questions about the process for becoming a board member, please call: 204-945-2959.

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