Each year, the Minister's Awards for Apprenticeship Training honours employers for their commitment to training apprentices. The awards celebrate those that support the apprenticeship training system, show leadership in training apprentices and promote careers in the skilled trades.

"Employers who train apprentices across Ontario contribute to a strong workforce that will provide crucial services to our economy for years to come," said John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. "This commitment to providing tomorrow's workers with the skills they need to succeed is recognized by these awards, and by the strength of our economy."

For more information on the awards and how to nominate an employer in your community, visit www.ontario.ca/apprenticeshipawards. Nominations are being accepted until March 25, 2011.

This is part of the Government of Ontario's Open Ontario plan to help raise Ontario's post-secondary education rate to 70 percent, help every student succeed and build a knowledge-based economy for the future. Today, more than 120,000 apprentices across Ontario are learning a skilled trade, gaining valuable work experience and helping to keep Ontario's economy strong in the future.

Since 2003, 124 employers have been recognized for their commitment to training apprentices. As well, Ontario's Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit for employers is the most generous tax credit of its kind in Canada, a government release says, benefiting employers who commit to training apprentices. Ontario provides grants to successful apprenticeships and employers, and has increased support for apprentices in training.

www.ontario.ca/apprenticeshipawards