Douglas Weekly – July 8

2023 Ecopreneur of the Year award winner Julian Hockin Grant with award sponsor Centre for Social and Sustainable Innovation. Photo supplied.
2023 Ecopreneur of the Year award winner Julian Hockin-Grant with award sponsor Centre for Social and Sustainable Innovation. Photo supplied.

IN THE KNOW:

Ecostar Awards Accepting Applications

The Ecostar Awards have returned for a ninth year, recognizing outstanding environmental and social achievements on Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands. Produced by the Synergy Foundation, the awards, presented in 15 categories, are given to businesses, organizations, and individuals who have demonstrated initiatives, projects, and innovations that contribute to a vibrant future in which our community and environment both prosper.

Douglas magazine is pleased to be a sponsor. Get the details and how to apply here.

Camosun College among first in Canada to celebrate Red Seal grads

Over 30 Red Seal graduates from a range of trades crossed the stage at Camosun College’s convocation ceremony making them among the first in the country.

Inviting Red Seal graduates to convocation was a first for Camosun College and possibly any public post-secondary institution in the country as the credentials are typically awarded by the accrediting body. Red Seal graduates at convocation came from nine trades including automotive service technician, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, professional cook, refrigeration and air conditioning, sheet metal, sprinkler fitter and welding.

In British Columbia, a trades certification for an apprentice is awarded by SkilledTradesBC and not the post-secondary institution. The Red Seal Program, formally known as the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program, is awarded by the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship. A Red Seal endorsement is a seal on the student’s provincial trade certificate and shows they have the knowledge and skills necessary to practice their trade across Canada.

Each of the Red Seal grads wore black gowns with a red stole indicating that the Red Seal is similar to a four-year undergrad degree. An apprenticeship is similar to articling or interning given the number of hours required on the job for Red Seal certification of up to 6,360 for some trades in addition to up to 40 weeks of technical study.

Camosun offers apprenticeship training in 20 distinct trades, including 12 trades with the Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement.

Foundation and pre-employment programs are around six to 10 months and help students get started in entry level employment or an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training and classroom learning that leads to a trade credential – or ‘ticket’. A Certificate of Qualification is accepted on B.C. worksites and about 50 trades offer an Interprovincial Red Seal.

FROM THE LATEST ISSUE OF DOUGLAS:

The Power of Walking Away

Business owners know it’s as important to know when to step back as when to step forward. Entrepreneur Jill Van Gyn shares the fateful moment she knew she had to make a change – one that meant admitting things hadn’t worked out the way she had hoped. Her story is here.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

AUGUST

August 10: The Five Chamber Business Mixer en Blanc

OCTOBER

October 23 – 24: VIEA Economic Summit