WINNIPEG — Last week, Manitoba recognized its top young apprentices, two of which are employed in the trucking industry.

Transport Trailer Technician Joshua Hueging employed by Payne Transportation, and Truck and Transport Mechanic Elton Guerreiro of Connexion Truck Centre, are among graduates from the class of 2009 who will be awarded as “Highest Achieving Apprentices.”

The 18th annual apprenticeship Highest Achievement Awards ceremony and reception will honoured 38 of Manitoba’s top new journeypeople and their employers.

“The apprentices we’re honouring today had the best marks in demonstrating the on-the-job skills needed to complete their apprenticeship training,” said Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson.

Bjornson noted that since 1999, the number of registered apprentices has more than doubled and Apprenticeship Manitoba is anticipating a 35 percent increase over the next two years.

In Manitoba, there are more than 50 different apprenticeable trades leading to certification as a journeyperson.

“Apprenticeship has provided these young people an opportunity to reach personal career goals and has allowed their employers an opportunity to build highly skilled workforces that meet their business needs,” added Bjornson.

The award recipients were chosen as the best in their fields based on criteria that included on-the-job performance, classroom accomplishments and recognition from both employers and instructors. The event also acknowledges the important role employers and instructors play in the development of the trade industry in Manitoba.

“We are pleased to see the province investing in the apprenticeship program” says Bob Dolyniuk, executive director of the Manitoba Trucking Association. “We believe it is up to both the industries, and the province to support the trades.”

“Our industry employers give their apprentices the opportunity to develop their skills and reach their career goals, and in return the employers gain a skilled labour force,” he continues. “High calibre quality maintenance services are vital to the trucking industry and the MTA shows its support to our apprentices by providing four annual scholarships to promising individuals.”