Trade Winds is grateful to announce once again that we are accepting applications from graduates for the spring set of Somerville Indigenous Trades Apprentice Awards!
This year, Somerville has generously increased the value of each award from $500 to $1,000! Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude for the support that Somerville has given us over the years.
Information about the Somerville Indigenous Trades Apprentice Award and how to apply is below. To see last year's award recipients, click here.
Somerville Indigenous Trades Apprentice Award
Somerville’s Commitment to Career Development for Indigenous Apprentices
Somerville is proud to have established the Somerville Indigenous Trades Apprentice Award to demonstrate our dedication to improving the ability of Indigenous employment candidates to pursue a meaningful and sustainable career in the infrastructure construction industry.
Somerville is strongly committed to creating opportunities for long-term career path development for Indigenous employment candidates. One of the most effective ways to support sustainable career development in the infrastructure construction industry is to hire Indigenous trades apprentices on our projects and provide mentorship and certification opportunities. A further way to support Indigenous employment candidates is to provide financial support for Indigenous trades apprentices.
Guiding Principles
The Awards shall be allocated to First Nation, Metis or Inuit candidates who have completed their pre-apprenticeship training through Trade Winds to Success (TWTS).
12 awards of $1,000 will be allocated for 2024, with six awarded in the spring and six in the fall.
Criteria
Must be First Nation, Metis, or Inuit.
Must have completed a Trade Winds to Success program.
Must be indentured and an active apprentice in year 1, 2, 3, or 4 of apprenticeship certification or be working in a construction industry role as a result of completing a Trade Winds to Success program.
Able to demonstrate overcoming hardship and adversity in the past.
Preference will be given to candidates who are pursuing trades which are in high demand in the infrastructure construction industry such as: pipe trades, welding, and heavy equipment technician.
Application Process
Completion of the Somerville Indigenous Trades Apprenticeship Award application form.
Submission of one reference letter from an instructor, mentor, community leader or employer.
Submission of story outlining how you have overcome adversity in your life and how you feel completion of a Trade Winds to Success Program will help you to pursue your career goals.
(Optional) Submit a photo of yourself at work in your trade.
Application forms can be obtained via Trade Winds to Success by emailing pmedmonton@twts.ca.
The application deadline for the spring awards is April 30, 2024.
The successful candidates will be selected by a joint committee consisting of Trade Winds to Success staff and one representative from Somerville.