MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Flo Components has won the annual Minister’s Awards for Apprenticeship Training, as the top employer in the Central Region. The region contains more than half of Ontario’s manufacturing, mining and heavy industrial (steel making) companies, plus 100% of the automotive manufacturing plants.
 
The award was presented on June 15 at the Minister’s 2011 Apprenticeship Graduation ceremony in Mississauga, by Linda Jeffrey, M.P.P. for Brampton-Springdale and the Provincial Minister of Natural Resources.
 
Each year, Ontario honours exceptional employers for their commitment to apprenticeship training. In late May, Flo made the short list of the top 16 employers in the province for the award. The award celebrates employers that show leadership in training apprentices, supporting the apprenticeship training system, and who promote careers in skilled trades. Each June, four winners are selected from the nominees by a panel of apprenticeship experts from different sectors, including labour organizations, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and community colleges.

“What an honour for everyone at Flo,” said Chris Deckert, president of Flo Components. “Who knew when we made the commitment to be the first in the lubrication system industry to use skilled trades that our efforts would be recognized provincially with such an award. We were just trying to meet our customers’ needs better!  Many thanks to our key partners at The Centre for Skills Development, Conestoga College, Sheridan College and Mohawk College for their encouragement and support over many years. And to the young people who joined Flo and worked so hard to succeed and to those who have taught them, this award is confirmation of your dedication and abilities.”