and instructors play in the development of the trade industry in Manitoba.

"An apprentice's employer or mentor has expertise from their years in the field and it goes beyond what can be recorded in a text book," said Swan. "I commend them for their willingness to share their knowledge and shape the character and skill of the apprentices working with
them. In the end, apprentices are learning more than a job; they are training to be leaders in their industry."

In the 2009 budget, the Manitoba government announced it was making further investments in the province's apprenticeship program to ensure that industry in the province has the skilled labour needed to grow companies and create new opportunities for young Manitobans.

The province will be funding additional apprenticeship training seats, establishing a new bursary fund for current and prospective apprentices demonstrating financial needs and providing a new financial incentive to encourage youth to continue with an apprenticeship program after graduating high school, the minister said.

In Manitoba, there are over 50 different apprenticeable trades leading to certification as a journeyperson.

The awards and recognition ceremony will be held tomorrow at the Winnipeg Convention Centre from 1 to 4 p.m.

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April 23, 2009
MANITOBA HONOURS HIGHEST-ACHIEVING APPRENTICES AND THEIR EMPLOYERS

The 2008 top-achieving apprenticeship graduates will be honoured at a special awards ceremony and reception tomorrow, Competitiveness, Training and Trade, Minister Andrew Swan announced today.

The 17th annual apprenticeship Highest Achievement Awards ceremony and reception honours 34 of Manitoba's top new journey people and their
employers. The ceremony, hosted by the minister, will also recognize a variety of other achievements through special recognition awards such as the Ron Krishka Memorial Award given to the trades qualifier with the
highest standing on the certification exam.

"The hands-on training that apprentices receive is invaluable," said Swan. "We continue to support and expand apprenticeship programs in Manitoba because we know they are the best way to develop the highly
skilled, professionally trained and job-ready employees this province needs to meet labour-market demands."

The award recipients were chosen as the best in their fields based on criteria that included on-the-job performance, classroom accomplishments and recognition from both employers and instructors. The event also acknowledges the important role employers