2019 Employer Champions

MARRIMAC

Marrimac Fire Protection Ltd. is a strong company built on a commitment to customer satisfaction and workmanship. Marrimac Fire Protection Ltd is a full service company with 30+ years experience specializing in Inspections of sprinkler systems, Testing of Fire pumps & Hydrants to NFPA25 code regulations as well as sprinkler repairs & renovations. Under the direction of Charlene MacDonald and Terry Marriott, Terry, who has been a licensed technician since 1989, Marrimac is a company based on honesty, integrity & safety. Marrimac has been committed to training their apprentices in the apprenticeship program in Nova Scotia for 30 years. Marrimac fully trains, supports and employs their tradespeople full time, year round. Terry has been instrumental in the building and supporting the careers of numerous Journeyman since 1989 and he is proud of the workforce he has helped create.

Employees of Marrimac gather around their Employer Champion award

DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE

Department of National Defence (DND) recognizes the need for a skilled workforce in Nova Scotia and has taken steps to train many tradespersons in many different trades. Diane Dow, Work Center Supervisor, Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott, has been busy registering apprentices over the past few years with a projected 50 new apprenticeship registrations from September 2018 – June 2019. The Apprenticeship Program is used to replenish the DND workforce; hiring apprentices in trades such as Naval Mechanical (Millwright) Technician, Marine Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic, Marine/Industrial Electrician, Machinist, Sheet Metal Technician, Welder and Marine Pipefitter. There are further training and development opportunities which prepares their tradespersons for other roles within the organization. For example, a tradesperson could advance to Planning & Estimating, Engineering Technology or Supervisory and Management positions, where there is interest.

Employees of the Department of National Defence gather around their Employer Champion award

IRON DOG

Born and bred in Atlantic Canada, Iron Dog has been providing superior mechanical systems services since 1971. Currently, Iron Dog has over 30 employees ranging from tradespeople in the Gasfitter, Steamfitter/Pipefitter, Plumber and Oil Heat System Technician trades. Owner, Gord Gamble works closely with our Industry Training Consultant to set up regular, consistent meetings with their apprentices to discuss each individuals apprenticeship program. Gord is engaged, actively involved, and plays an integral role in the success of each apprentice. Due to Iron Dog’s commitment to apprenticeship training, they have successfully supported many apprentices through to completion of their Red Seal. Currently, Iron Dog has 14 apprentices in the apprenticeship program in Nova Scotia including diverse apprentices. Thank you Iron Dog for supporting the apprenticeship system in Nova Scotia.

Eleven employees of Iron Dog gather for a photo with their Employer Champion award

NEWMAN ELECTRIC

Newman Electric has been in business for more than 25 years and during that time they have successfully supported many apprentices through to completion of their Red Seal. They employ over 40 certified electricians in the Halifax Regional Municipality, and remain a locally owned and operated company. Their electricians have the knowledge and experience of a large company, while still maintaining the commitment to integrity, safety, and quality you expect from a smaller shop. Newman Electric also has a strict safety policy and has the NSCSA Certificate of Recognition. Currently, Newman Electric has eight apprentices enrolled in the apprenticeship program in Nova Scotia and have recently taken on an apprentice from Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) and a new female apprentice. Their employees recognize that Newman Electric is committed to supporting them in their learning, resulting in a low turnover.

Five employees of Newman Electric gather for a photo with their Employer Champion award

BELFOR

Belfor is the largest restoration company in the world and has a proactive approach to apprenticeship training in Nova Scotia as they encourage their new hires to register as an apprentice. The Industry Training Consultant who works closely with Belfor is often invited to meet with groups of newly hired individuals to discuss the apprenticeship pathway in Nova Scotia. Due to their commitment to apprenticeship training, Belfor has supported many employees to complete their apprenticeship program through to completion of their Red Seal.

Six employees of Belfor pose of a photo with their Employer Champion award

BICYCLE THIEF

The Bicycle Thief stands out for their unwavering support to the apprenticeship program in Nova Scotia. Meaghan Martell, Head Chef, always has our Industry Training Consultant (ITC) meet with her new hires to discuss the apprenticeship pathway in Nova Scotia and to also offer the new hires an opportunity to meet our ITC and learn about the Agency’s programs and services. Meaghan is confident and committed to apprenticeship in Nova Scotia. She often supports diverse apprentices and encourages her fellow Red Seal Chefs to hire and train apprentices. Thank you Bicycle Thief for taking a proactive approach to the apprenticeship system in Nova Scotia.

Seven employees of Halifax's The Bicycle Thief pose for a photo holding their Employer Champion award