About the Apprenticeship and Certification Board

The Apprenticeship and Certification Board (Board), Sector Committees and Industry Working Groups are governed by The Apprenticeship and Certification Act; which outlines the composition, roles and responsibilities for each.

The Board provides a governance and leadership role within its advisory mandate to coordinate a relevant, accessible and responsive apprenticeship and certification system in Manitoba. The Board’s governance role involves responsibility for the development of a Strategic Plan (every five years), that is based on consultations with stakeholders to identify and provide leadership on issues that have an impact on the apprenticeship system as a whole. The Board also produces an Annual Report that accounts for and communicates the activities performed by the Board that relate to the goals and objectives outlined in the Strategic Plan.

The Board consists of a Chairperson, Secretary and ten (10) members who are appointed by the Minister. Four members represent employers, four members represent employees, one member represents the public interest and one member represents training providers. The Secretary of the Board is also the Executive Director of Apprenticeship Manitoba.

The Board is responsible for:

Promoting apprenticeship and certification
Supporting employer and employee participation in apprenticeship and certification
Advising the minister about training needs and Manitoba's labour market needs for skilled tradespersons
Participating in interprovincial apprenticeship initiatives

The Apprenticeship and Certification Board

Tanya Palson

Board Chair

Tanya Palson currently holds the position of Executive Director with Manitoba Building Trades. Tanya has obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Manitoba, and recently completed a certificate in Public Policy Analysis from the London School of Economics. Tanya is currently serving as a Board Member for BUILD Inc.

Chris Taran Public Interest Representative Chris Taran currently holds the position of International Representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Chris has obtained Red Seal Certification in the trade of Construction Electrician and is a former Technical Vocational Instructor with Red River College Polytechnic (RRCP) and the Manitoba Institute of Trade and Technology (MITT).		Kevin Poirier Training Provider Representative Kevin Poirier currently holds the position of Associate Dean with the School of Trades at Assiniboine Community College. Kevin holds a degree in Adult Education from the University of Fraser Valley.
Shawn Henry Employer Representative Shawn Henry currently holds the position of Project Manager with Wescan Electrical & Mechanical. Shawn has obtained Red Seal Certification in the trade of Plumber and sits as Chair on the Mechanical Construction Association of Manitoba (MCAM).		Davide Novo Employer Representative Davide Novo currently holds the position of Fixed Operations Manager with Twin Motors Ltd. Davide has obtained Red Seal Certification in the trade of Automotive Service Technician. Davide is highly involved in his community, sitting as Chair of The Pas Families Building a Better Community Inc., acting as Equipment Manager for The Pas Minor Hockey Association, and as current Vice-Chair of The Pas Community Renewal Corporation.
Matthew Poulsen Employer Representative Matthew Poulsen currently holds the position of Construction Manger with Reliance Home Comfort. Matthew has obtained a diploma in Business Administration from Red River College Polytechnic (RRCP). Matthew has served as Business Development Manager with APT Auto Parts, General Manager with F45 Training Franchise Rollout, and Account Manager with CanWel Building Materials.		Carol Paul Employer Representative Carol Paul currently holds the position of Executive Director with the Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC). Carol holds a Master’s degree in Adult Education and is a certified Essential Skills Profiler, through Bow Valley College.
Aarti Sharma Employee Representative Aarti Sharma currently holds the position of Business Representative for the International Union of Operative Engineers, Local 987. Aarti holds a Bachelor in Social Work from Booth University College and a Bachelor of Arts in Labour Studies from the University of Manitoba. Aarti is also currently serving on the Manitoba Labour Board, and with the Manitoba Federation of Labour.		Ronald (Ron) Castel Employee Representative Ron Castel currently holds the position of Director of Indigenous Relations with Manitoba Building Trades. Ron has obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Winnipeg and has received two diplomas from Red River College Polytechnic (RRCP), the first in Human Resource Management, and the second in Community Economic Development. In the past, Ron has served as Indigenous Union Representative for Allied Hydro Council, and as Indigenous Liaison for the Manitoba Construction Sector Council.
Warren Herntier Employee Representative Warren Herntier currently holds the position of Director of Apprenticeship and Training with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 2085. Warren has obtained Red Seal Certification in the trade of Electrician and is in the process of completing a diploma in Vocational Education from Red River College Polytechnic (RRCP).		Glenn Laycock Employee Representative Glenn Laycock currently holds the position of Executive Director with the Northern Manitoba Sector Council. Glenn has obtained a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from the University of Winnipeg, and currently serves as a member on the Mineral Fund Application Committee, and on the Apprenticeship Board Trucking Sector Committee.

If you are interested in becoming a Board member, please visit the Agencies, Boards and Commissions website and complete the application indicating your interest in the Apprenticeship and Certification Board membership.