TORONTO, ON, November 4, 2026 – Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) recognized outstanding apprentices, industry leaders and employers at the 2026 Apprenticeship Summit, celebrating individuals and organizations whose contributions are helping strengthen Ontario’s skilled trades workforce.
Presented to a room of 300 industry leaders during the Summit at the Toronto Congress Centre, the awards recognize leadership, mentorship, apprenticeship training, workplace safety and commitment to the skilled trades.
“Ontario’s apprenticeship system is built on the dedication of apprentices, mentors, employers, educators and industry leaders who work every day to support the next generation of skilled trades professionals,” said Candice White, CEO and Registrar of Skilled Trades Ontario. “Today’s recipients exemplify the leadership, commitment and excellence that continue to drive success across Ontario’s skilled trades community.”
Outstanding Journeyperson Award
The Outstanding Journeyperson Award, presented on behalf of Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, recognizes a journeyperson who demonstrates exceptional leadership, mentorship and commitment to apprenticeship training.
Recipient: Emily Pyke (Automotive Service Technician)
Emily Pyke was recognized for her leadership, technical expertise and dedication to mentoring apprentices. Through her guidance, advocacy and support of apprentice development, she has made a significant contribution to Ontario’s skilled trades community.
Outstanding Apprentice Awards
The Outstanding Apprentice Awards, sponsored by the Heads of Apprenticeship Training (HAT), Colleges Ontario, recognize four registered apprentices who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their trade and apprenticeship journey.
Central Region Recipient: Vicky Saygnasith (General Carpenter)
Vicky Saygnasith was recognized for her leadership, advocacy and passion for mentorship. Having grown from mentee to mentor, she actively supports apprentices, women and young people pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
East Region Recipient: Benjamin Kelly (Electrical – Construction and Maintenance)
Benjamin Kelly was recognized for his professionalism, leadership and commitment to workplace safety as an apprentice electrician and Health and Safety Representative. His dedication to continuous learning and mentorship has earned the respect of colleagues and supervisors alike.
North Region Recipient: Randy Taylor-Petryshyn (Cement (Concrete) Finishing)
Randy Taylor-Petryshyn was recognized for his strong work ethic, positive attitude and commitment to supporting fellow apprentices. Through mentorship and leadership on the job site, he consistently promotes safe and effective work practices.
Southwest Region Recipient: Allyson Mirth (Horticulture Technician)
Allyson Mirth was recognized for her commitment to continuous learning, volunteerism, industry advocacy and mentorship. She continues to promote careers in the skilled trades while helping inspire future apprentices.
Skilled Trades Ontario Award of Excellence
The Skilled Trades Ontario Award of Excellence recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a long-standing commitment to apprenticeship training and certification.
Recipient: Jackson Haber (Construction and Maintenance Electrician)
Jackson Haber was recognized for his outstanding leadership within Ontario’s electrical sector. Through his commitment to mentorship, safety, professional development and apprenticeship training, he has helped develop skilled trades talent and support the next generation of industry leaders.
Trades Safety Champion Award
The Trades Safety Champion Award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to workplace safety.
Recipient: Halco Industrial Inc. (Millwright Industry Employer)
Halco Industrial Inc. was recognized for its unwavering commitment to workplace safety, apprenticeship training and workforce development. Through a culture focused on mentorship, inclusion and continuous learning, the organization continues to set a strong example for employers across Ontario’s skilled trades sector.
Skilled Trades Ontario also extends its sincere thanks to the organizations whose support helped make the 2026 Apprenticeship Summit possible. The agency is grateful to Unifor, the event’s title sponsor, as well as 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 (HAT), Colleges Ontario for their partnership and commitment to supporting apprenticeship, workforce development, and the future of Ontario’s skilled trades sector. Their support helped bring together apprentices, employers, educators, labour partners and industry leaders from across Ontario to celebrate excellence in the skilled trades.
“Today’s Summit was an opportunity to recognize the people and organizations whose dedication helps apprentices succeed and supports workforce development across Ontario,” said White. “We are proud to celebrate this year’s recipients and grateful to the sponsors, partners, employers, educators and industry leaders who continue to invest in the future of the skilled trades.”
About Skilled Trades Ontario
Skilled Trades Ontario is an agency of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development responsible for apprenticeship and skilled trades certification in Ontario. Skilled Trades Ontario is dedicated to simplifying access to services for skilled trades professionals, promoting the skilled trades as a career of choice and addressing the labour shortage in the skilled trades, in partnership with government and industry.
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