Purpose
A group of like-minded professionals, educators and service providers have formed a collaborative partnership known as the Southwest Apprenticeship Network (SWAN) to promote apprenticeship as a first-choice career option.
To support this mandate the SWAN is launching an Employer Awards for Apprenticeship Training for employers. This annual award will recognize five employers from Sarnia Lambton to Chatham-Kent for excellence in apprenticeship training.
Eligibility
What is the definition of an employer?
An employer is defined as a person or business who engages another person to work for them and pays wages. The employer must currently be a trainer of apprentices.
Who is an eligible employer?
Any employer who currently trains apprentices in any of the four skilled trade areas and who has not won the award in the past two years is eligible for nomination. A list of previous winners can be found at: https://www.slwdb.org/apprenticeship/.
Who is eligible to nominate an employer?
Anyone can nominate an employer including the employer and staff of the employer. A nominator should not nominate more than three employers.
Nomination and Selection
When is the deadline for nominations?
Completed nominations are due by Feb 27, 2026. PDF Nomination forms can also be e-mailed to: mikelle.bryson.campbell@slwdb.org.
How are the award recipients selected?
A subcommittee of the SWAN will comprise the award selection committee. The selection committee will choose three finalists from each sector and three finalists for a Rookie of the Year category (can be from any sector). The SWAN Selection Committee consists of representatives from Employment Ontario, workforce and economic development, literacy, and the education sector.
When are the awards presented?
The awards will be presented at an Employer Awards Gala Dinner March 26 in Chatham-Kent. All finalists and a guest will be invited to attend. Employers can also purchase a limited number of additional tickets, first come, first served.
How many award recipients are there and what do they receive?
There are five awards in total (one from each sector, one rookie of the year award). Winners will be announced at the Gala and will receive a special plaque for excellence in apprenticeship training.
Who can I contact for more information?
Email any questions to mikelle.bryson.campbell@slwdb.org
Nomination and Selection Criteria
A group of like-minded professionals, educators and service providers have formed a collaborative partnership known as the Southwest Apprenticeship Network (SWAN) to promote apprenticeship as a first-choice career option.
To support this mandate the SWAN is launching an Employer Awards for Apprenticeship Training for employers. This annual award will recognize five employers from Sarnia Lambton to Chatham-Kent for excellence in apprenticeship training.
Eligibility
What is the definition of an employer?
An employer is defined as a person or business who engages another person to work for them and pays wages. The employer must currently be a trainer of apprentices.
Who is an eligible employer?
Any employer who currently trains apprentices in any of the four skilled trade areas and who has not won the award in the past two years is eligible for nomination. A list of previous winners can be found at: https://www.slwdb.org/apprenticeship/.
Who is eligible to nominate an employer?
Anyone can nominate an employer including the employer and staff of the employer. A nominator should not nominate more than three employers.
Nomination and Selection
When is the deadline for nominations?
Completed nominations are due by Feb 27, 2026. PDF Nomination forms can also be e-mailed to: mikelle.bryson.campbell@slwdb.org.
How are the award recipients selected?
A subcommittee of the SWAN will comprise the award selection committee. The selection committee will choose three finalists from each sector and three finalists for a Rookie of the Year category (can be from any sector). The SWAN Selection Committee consists of representatives from Employment Ontario, workforce and economic development, literacy, and the education sector.
When are the awards presented?
The awards will be presented at an Employer Awards Gala Dinner March 26 in Chatham-Kent. All finalists and a guest will be invited to attend. Employers can also purchase a limited number of additional tickets, first come, first served.
How many award recipients are there and what do they receive?
There are five awards in total (one from each sector, one rookie of the year award). Winners will be announced at the Gala and will receive a special plaque for excellence in apprenticeship training.
Who can I contact for more information?
Email any questions to mikelle.bryson.campbell@slwdb.org
Nomination and Selection Criteria
Nomination and selection are based on the following criteria:
1. Commitment to the apprenticeship system by employing and training apprentices.
2. A focus on hiring youth and people experiencing barriers to entry into apprenticeship is beneficial but not required.
3. Use of innovative approaches in support of specific on-the-job apprenticeship training, recruitment and long-term employment.
4. Involvement in the formation of partnerships with other organizations.
5. Commitment to prior learning assessment and recognition by acknowledging and giving credit for experience.
2. A focus on hiring youth and people experiencing barriers to entry into apprenticeship is beneficial but not required.
3. Use of innovative approaches in support of specific on-the-job apprenticeship training, recruitment and long-term employment.
4. Involvement in the formation of partnerships with other organizations.
5. Commitment to prior learning assessment and recognition by acknowledging and giving credit for experience.
6. Commitment to building capacity in apprenticeship training by actively participating in the promotion and marketing of apprenticeship.
7. Involvement in or support for community organizations dedicated to training and improving labour market outcomes.