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 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. |
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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 is an experienced Red Seal Automotive Service Technician, currently serving as Fixed Operations Manager at Twin Motors in The Pas, where he's been since 2009. He has been a member of the Apprenticeship and Certification Board since 2021. As a dedicated community leader, he serves as a councillor for the Rural Municipality of Kelsey and as President of The Pas Families Building a Better Community Inc. a local not-for-profit, where he has led initiatives raising over $1,000,000 towards building a barrier-free Spray Park & state of the art Skatepark. He also serves on the board of the Norman Blizzard of the MJHL & The Tri-Community Foundation, part of Endow Manitoba. |
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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. |
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. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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.