Apprenticeship Awards

Assiniboine Community College would like to acknowledge and celebrate the award winners showcased in their respective trades in the Highest Achievement Awards. These awards are the recognition of countless hours of patience and diligence to their craft. We would also like to recognize the numerous family members and friends who supported these tradespeople on their journeys. assiniboine.net h i G h e s t A c h i e v e M e n t A w A r d s 2 0 1 5 1 1 By Rebecca Hadfield For the Free Press I t should come as no surprise that Larry Stefanec is a firm believer in apprentice training. At the start of his career in British Columbia, he was an apprentice plumber. Now, as President of Parson's Plumbing and Heating, Stefanec says the Winnipeg company "wouldn't do it any other way." Parson's Plumbing and Heating, established in 1925, has been a trusted part of the community for 90 years. "Our long-term customers have been largely due to the skill and professionalism of our employees, many of whom have been trained here," said Stefanec, speaking proudly of his team. In recent years, Stefanec has noticed an increase in interest in the apprenticeship program, which he credits to advertising and promotion by Apprenticeship Manitoba. With more and more students taking interest in the trades and entering the pre-apprentice programs, Stefanec has his pick of potential hires. Along with basic knowledge and skills, an applicant's ability to fit with the company culture plays a large part in the hiring process. If they are a fit, once a new hire completes a three-month probation period, they are offered a position as a registered apprentice with the company. For the next five years, apprentices will spend thousands of hours on-the-job under the supervision of a skilled journeyperson. Apprentices at Parson's receive thorough, enhanced training in what Stefanec describes as an "evolving trade." Boiler systems, for example, have become highly technical and computer-based, some with the ability to integrate with smartphones. These advancements have forced businesses to keep up or get left behind. "In this day and age," points out Stefanec, "companies must continue to upgrade to remain competitive." To that end, the training at Parson's isn't exclusive to the apprentices. Apprentices and journeypersons alike receive ongoing training and education in new and advanced technologies. Stefanec believes that the size of his company, the variety of the services that they offer, and the emphasis on staying current with technology has allowed Parson's to provide a higher level of practical training than might be found elsewhere. Take for example journeyperson Robyn Palmer. Three years ago, at the end of her apprenticeship, she was the province's highest achiever for the trade of plumber. Today she remains on the staff at Parson's, a valuable member of the team and a testament to Parson's dedication to turning out well-trained apprentices. pArsons pLuMBinG Sheet Metal, Roofer, Sheeter/Decker/Cladder, Testing & Balancing, and Production Divisions On behalf of the Officers, Members & Staff SMWIA Local 511 we wish to acknowledge the outstanding talent, excellence and contributions demonstrated by each of the 2015 nominees and extend our sincere Congratulations 2015 HigHest aCHievement awards reCipients

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