Premay supports apprentices

There are now 1,126 Aboriginal apprentices working in Alberta. This is an increase of 888 apprentices in less than four years, and a cause to celebrate.

"This is the highest number we've ever had," said Dave Hancock, minister of Advanced Education. "It's particularly a testament to companies like Premay Equipment Ltd. who invest in the future workforce by hiring and training apprentices. Employers like Premay are an important part of our apprenticeship system and one of the key reasons why our province apprenticeship industry training system is known for its success across the country."

Hancock, along with Pearl Calahasen, minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, representatives from the apprenticeship industry board, Brent Harris, president of Premay, and most importantly two of the company's three apprentices, Conrad Bird and Russell House, gathered together at Premay Equipment in west Edmonton on Feb. 27 to mark a milestone in Aboriginal apprenticeships.
"Today's announcement shows the progress that's being made in the apprenticeship training for Aboriginal Albertans," said Hancock.

"It shows that we're moving closer to a vision of a learning society where all Albertans, regardless of where they come from, regardless of their background, have access to learning opportunities that they need in their area of passion and interest. It's a vision which goes beyond institutional thinking, and recognizing that learning happens not just on a college campus, but also in workplaces, workplaces like Premay."

Since 1964, Premay has been providing transportation services for oversize and overweight modules, vessels, equipment and machinery, serving clients in the petroleum, energy, mining, and construction sectors in various locations including Calgary, Fort McMurray, Regina and Vancouver.

The apprenticeships within Alberta are made possible through the Alberta Aboriginal Apprenticeship Project (AAAP). The AAAP operates in five Alberta communities, including, Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, High Level and Lethbridge. It was established in 2001 to promote apprenticeship and industry training to Aboriginal people, communities and organizations in Alberta.

For those interested in a trades apprenticeship opportunity or for more information about AAAP, call the Edmonton office toll-free 1-800-4008-1840.