Minister's Apprenticeship Employer Recognition Awards


2006 Winners of the Minister's Awards

401 Trucksource Inc.

Since it first opened its doors in 1980, 401 Trucksource Inc. has continually recognized the value of apprenticeship training and the importance of developing a skilled workforce. The company has participated in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) for 25 years, offered work placements for participants in the Pre-Apprenticeship Training program and Job Connect, and hired youth through the Apprenticeship Scholarship and Employer Signing Bonus initiative. The company employs 60 people, eight of whom are apprentices. 401 Trucksource is a member of the Windsor Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario Truckers Association, Canadian Transportation Equipment Association, and the local industry committee and advisory truck dealerships group. The company has received the Canadian Mack Dealer Award five times since 1997. In 2004, a technician employed by 401 Trucksource was awarded the Ontario Chevron Diesel Technician Award while another won the same award at the national level. The company sends its employees to Canadian Fleet Maintenance Seminars and the North American Institute of Training. It encourages its technicians to become master technicians for Mack, Volvo and GMC by attending training programs. 401 Truck Source also helped create the truck and coach technician Pre-Apprenticeship Training program delivered by St. Clair College.

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Benedict Electrical Contracting Limited

Wayne Benedict launched Benedict Electrical Contracting Limited in 1998 in Owen Sound with the aim of creating a family business. Today his wife, Marg, is involved with the operation of the company. Their son, Stephen, who started out as an apprentice, is now training apprentices in his own right. The electrical contracting company employs eight people, including three apprentices, two of whom were recruited through OYAP. Benedict Electrical Contracting's commitment to training provides opportunities for young people in Grey and Bruce counties to train in skilled trade careers close to home. It sponsors co-operative education placements for local high schools and hires apprentices through Job Connect. In addition, the company demonstrates its commitment to prior learning assessment by recognizing certificates, giving credit for previous work experience and providing advanced opportunities for new apprentices with varied training and educational experiences. Benedict Electrical Contracting is an active member of the Owen Sound Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Ontario Electricians League and the Safe Communities Incentive Program. Its employees regularly volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and will be taking part in a six-house project in August 2007.

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Donnelly Ford Lincoln

Donnelly Ford Lincoln of Ottawa has demonstrated how an effective training culture results in success. A leading provider of automotive sales and service in the Ottawa area, the company participates with the local OYAP Advisory Committee and a local industry committee. Recruitment strategies at Donnelly Ford Lincoln focus on youth and capitalize on initiatives that support this focus, including the Apprenticeship Scholarship and Employer Signing Bonus, Job Connect, co-operative education and OYAP. Founded in 1970 as Ottawa Ford, it employs more than 100 people, including 17 apprentices of whom seven are registered through OYAP. Donnelly Ford Lincoln actively promotes apprenticeship training in the Ottawa area. Its mentorship program involves journeyperson mentors who share knowledge and skills with new apprentices and support them through to certification. Donnelly Ford Lincoln has developed community partnerships that will result in more apprentices, including women, in the motive power trades.

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Harvan Engineering Limited

Harvan Engineering Limited is a leader in supporting and promoting apprenticeship training in southwest Ontario. Founded in 1984, Harvan Engineering employs 50 people including six apprentices. It has trained apprentices in several industrial trades, including general machinist, tool and die maker, and industrial millwright, and has earned a reputation for its commitment to high quality training. Today, the company is working with educational and industry partners to develop the workforce that will be needed to staff Toyota's new auto assembly plant planned for Woodstock. Harvan works with the area high schools to provide co-operative work placements and summer employment for students pursuing a career as apprentice general machinists through OYAP. The company also works with its apprentices to ensure they complete their training. Harvan's efforts were recognized at the first London Employer Recognition Event, and it has donated equipment and expertise to the Oxford Technical Training Centre. Harvan is a member of the Oxford Manufacturing Association, the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce and the local apprenticeship training committee.

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