Mississauga, ON — The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) announces that Kent Shaw and John Poirier are the recipients of the 2025 Red Seal Awards of Excellence.
The Red Seal Award of Excellence recognizes apprenticeship authority staff who demonstrate inspiring leadership in developing and promoting apprenticeship and trade certification. To be eligible for this award, nominees must be current or recent staff of a provincial, territorial or federal apprenticeship and trade certification organization.
“Kent Shaw has played a pivotal role in advancing the Red Seal Program nationally, most notably as co-lead of the first Red Seal National Harmonization project for transport trailer mechanic and heavy-duty equipment technician,” as highlighted by the CCDA.
Additionally, Shaw served as vice chair of the Interprovincial Standards and Examinations Committee (ISEC) from 2020 to 2022, and as chair from 2022 to 2023. Shaw had an instrumental role in guiding the development of Red Seal standards and exams, ensuring consistency and quality across Canada.
Regarding Poirier, he has been a member of ISEC since 2013 and served as vice chair from 2023 to 2025. The CCDA adds that, “Poirier has played a pivotal role in advancing the integrity and effectiveness of skilled trades certification in Ontario and across Canada. Most recently, his leadership in innovating Ontario’s exam invigilation practices has significantly reduced exam compromises, ensuring fair and secure assessment for all candidates.”