Skilled Trades Ontario Honours Apprentices and Employers at 2026 Summit

Skilled Trades Ontario recognized apprentices, journeypersons and industry employers for their contributions to workforce development, mentorship and workplace safety at its 2026 Apprenticeship Summit in Toronto.

The November 4 event brought together approximately 300 industry leaders at the Toronto Congress Centre. The awards highlighted individuals and organizations supporting apprenticeship training, technical excellence and the development of Ontario's skilled trades workforce.

Highlights

• Skilled Trades Ontario recognized outstanding apprentices, journeypersons and employers at its 2026 Apprenticeship Summit.

• Six individuals received awards for leadership, mentorship and contributions to apprenticeship development.

• Halco Industrial Inc. received the Trades Safety Champion Award.

• Award recipients represented multiple trades and regions across Ontario.

• The event brought together approximately 300 industry leaders and workforce development partners.

Apprentices and Journeypersons Recognized Across Ontario

Emily Pyke, an automotive service technician, received the Outstanding Journeyperson Award for her technical expertise, leadership and commitment to mentoring apprentices.

Four registered apprentices received Outstanding Apprentice Awards, representing different regions and trades:

• Central Region: Vicky Saygnasith, General Carpenter, recognised for mentorship, advocacy and support for women and young people entering the trades.

• East Region: Benjamin Kelly, Electrical Construction and Maintenance, recognised for professionalism, workplace safety leadership and continuous learning.

• North Region: Randy Taylor-Petryshyn, Cement (Concrete) Finishing, honoured for his work ethic, mentorship and promotion of safe jobsite practices.

• Southwest Region: Allyson Mirth, Horticulture Technician, recognised for industry advocacy, volunteerism and commitment to developing future apprentices.

Jackson Haber, a construction and maintenance electrician, received the Skilled Trades Ontario Award of Excellence for his contributions to apprenticeship training, professional development, safety and mentorship.

Halco Industrial Recognized for Workforce Safety

Halco Industrial Inc., identified as a millwright industry employer, received the Trades Safety Champion Award.

The recognition highlights the company's commitment to workplace safety, apprenticeship training and workforce development. Its approach emphasises mentorship, inclusion and continuous learning.

The awards collectively recognise the role employers and experienced tradespeople play in building a skilled workforce and supporting the next generation of construction and industrial professionals.

Industry Partners Support Apprenticeship Development

The summit was supported by Unifor as the title sponsor, alongside UA Local 787, Sterling Ridge Group, Seven Generations Education Institute, Valard Group, WCG Services Employment Ontario, the Northern Ontario Joint Apprenticeship Council and the Heads of Apprenticeship Training and Colleges Ontario.

Skilled Trades Ontario is responsible for apprenticeship and skilled trades certification in the province. Its work includes improving access to certification services, promoting trades careers and addressing workforce shortages in partnership with government and industry.

Why the Recognition Matters to Construction Employers

Ontario's construction and industrial sectors depend on a steady pipeline of qualified tradespeople. Recognition of apprentices, mentors and employers highlights the importance of practical training, workplace safety and career development in addressing workforce needs.

For contractors and employers, investment in mentorship and apprenticeship programs can help strengthen trade skills, support jobsite safety and develop the workforce required to deliver future construction projects.

Source: Skilled Trades Ontario.