Crafting Tomorrow’s Leaders in Unionized Maintenance
About the Award
Members of Canada’s Building Trades Unions represent the most skilled and highly trained tradespeople in the country. Through their work, they safely build and maintain the infrastructure that all Canadians depend on.
The GPMC | NMC Apprentice of the Year Award recognizes two outstanding unionized maintenance apprentices each year—one from Eastern Canada and one from Western Canada—who demonstrate exceptional safety leadership, performance, and dedication to their trade. This award highlights apprentices who distinguish themselves through their contribution to a maintenance project and who show strong potential as future leaders in the skilled trades.
All nominations are reviewed by a dedicated panel, which selects the award recipients annually.
Eligibility
- Open to registered apprentices who are members of Canada’s Building Trades Unions
- Must be executing maintenance work under a GPMA or NMA Collective Agreement
- Demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas:
- Safety leadership and commitment to safe work practices
- Technical skill and craftsmanship beyond expected experience level
- Work ethic, reliability, and professionalism
- Learning aptitude, initiative, and commitment to skill development
- Teamwork, leadership potential, and positive influence on others
How to Apply
Current Signatory Employers may submit nominations for this prestigious award.
To be considered:
- Complete all sections of the nomination form, including apprentice, union, employer, client, and project information
- Provide a biography of the nominee (maximum 250 words) outlining training progress, achievements, and contributions
- Attach a high-resolution color photograph of the nominee
- Describe the project work scope and clearly explain why the apprentice is deserving of recognition, referencing the performance criteria
- Include 2–3 quotes from supervisors, journeyperson mentors, or team members highlighting the apprentice’s contributions and character
- Upload any supporting documentation that strengthens the nomination
Incomplete nomination forms will not be considered.
Recognition
Award recipients will be recognized in person at the:
10th Anniversary Canadian Safety Achievement Awards (CS2A) Banquet
📅 October 20, 2026
📍 Edmonton Convention Center
Deadline
All nominations must be submitted by April 30, 2026.
Questions
For questions or assistance with this nomination form, please contact:
Samuel McKenzie
National Representative
📧 smckenzie@gpmccanada.com
📞 (519) 744-4762