The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) is now accepting nominations for the Darryl Cruickshank Red Seal Industry Award.

The Darryl Cruickshank Memorial Award was commissioned in 2010 by the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) to honour his tireless advocacy of apprenticeship and his significant contributions to the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program

The award recognizes an individual in Canadian industry who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in workplace education and apprenticeship training, inspiring the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Eligible nominees are current or recent industry professionals who actively support apprentices through their business, organization, or participation in committees, trade associations, or industry groups.

While having a Red Seal endorsement is considered an advantage, it is not required.

The Red Seal Program is Canada’s standard of excellence for skilled trades. It provides interprovincial recognition for certified tradespeople, ensuring they meet a national standard of competency.

A Red Seal endorsement allows tradespeople to work anywhere in Canada without additional certification, helping businesses attract qualified talent and giving workers greater mobility and career opportunities.

For shops and garages, the program represents a benchmark of quality and professionalism in skilled trades.

Nominating someone for the Darryl Cruickshank Award is a chance to celebrate industry leaders who are making a real difference through mentoring apprentices, driving workplace learning, and strengthening the trades community across Canada.

Nomination deadline: April 2, 2026.

To request a nomination form or for more information, email the CCDA Secretariat at ccdasecretariat@gov.ab.ca.
For more information on this and other awards, visit Red Seal Awards and Recognition.