Edmonton, Alberta — The Red Seal Program has announced that Darlene Clark, manager of program standards for the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA), has been selected by the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) as the recipient of the 2021 Red Seal Award of Excellence.
The Red Seal Award of Excellence honours apprenticeship staff who are “inspiring leaders in the development and promotion of apprenticeship and trade certification.” It is given out on odd-numbered years during the CCDA fall meeting.
Throughout her 35 years working with NSAA, Clark has trained and led many NSAA staff in Red Seal activities, such as program development workshops.
Additionally, Clark coordinates all Red Seal activities within Nova Scotia. These activities include consultations with the industry, recruiting participants to develop occupational standards and examinations, growing Red Seal exam preparation guides, and providing feedback on Red Seal products and initiatives.
The selection criteria for the award requires that the nominee has made outstanding contributions to the promotion or development of apprenticeship training in Canada in the following aspects:
- Leads and supports the growth and development of the Red Seal Program.
- Promotes apprenticeship and trade certification as a means to a successful and productive career.
- Promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion in the skilled trades and works to support and include apprentices from underrepresented groups (e.g. gender and sexual minorities, Indigenous people, racial minorities, newcomers, and people with disabilities).
- Demonstrates innovative approaches in apprenticeship and certification program development.
- Demonstrates commitment to the mandate and objectives of the CCDA and their member jurisdiction.
- Participates in collaborative activities that improve apprenticeship systems across Canada.
The next winner of the Red Seal Award of Excellence will be announced in the fall of 2023.