Canadian Apprenticeship Forum names new board chair

The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA) has appointed Lionel Railton, RSE, CEB, PPAC as the new chair of the board of directors.

“We are incredibly fortunate to secure the leadership of someone with more than 40 years of on-the-ground experience in the skilled trades,” says France Daviault, executive director, CAF-FCA.

“Having served his union in many capacities, Lionel has a full understanding of the strengths and opportunities that exist and how apprenticeship can play a key role in fuelling Canada’s economic growth.”

A third-generation member of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Railton is a union representative with experience in executive board and financial management.

In his current role as Canadian director, Lionel is responsible for the oversight and support of the 17 Canadian Local Unions of the IUOE serving 55,000 Canadian members employed in the industrial, construction, road building, mining, healthcare, education, building maintenance and related sectors.

“I am sincerely grateful and look forward to continuing the outstanding work the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum has done for the skilled trades community over the last 20 years,” says Railton.

“The collective passion and commitment to apprenticeship training among our members, board of directors and staff will continue to be the motivating factor for our work on behalf of the national apprenticeship community.”

The following board directors were recently elected to four-year terms in five constituencies:

Jurisdiction – J’Amey Bevan, Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
Labour – Cordell Cole, IBEW
Equity – Joann Greeley, Office to Advance Women Apprentices
Employer – Rebecca Kragnes, Bird Construction
Education – Frank Rossi, College of New Caledonia

The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum establishes policies and programs that contribute to Canada’s apprenticeship system.