12-The Canadian Champion, Tuesday October 1, 2002 iiiiev v,,ýMilton Machine Shop wins prestigious regional award for its apprenticeship training programn Business owner honoured by award presented at graduation ceremony By FANNIE SUNSMINE The Champion H enry Brinke didn't expect his business would be recognized with Halton's Employer of the Year Award at the Ontario Apprenticeship graduation cere- mony last Tuesday. I feel honoured, like I've won an Emmy," said the Milton Machine Shop owner. 'You don't expeet this." The graduation ceremnony, which took place at the Trillium Banquet Hall and Convention Centre in Mississauga. mainly honoured apprentices who completcd their training and gained formaI Ontario certifi- cation in their skilled trade in 2001. The ceremnony also recognized young people who entered a skilled trade in 2001 through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Job Connect. But apprenticeship programrs wouldn't be possible without the businesses. hence the Employer of the Year Award. "We'vc had apprentices f or years.- Mr. Brinke continued. adding the shop current- y bas three apprentices. 'Ne take high school students or students at skill centres and put them into a four year apprenice- ship program. As they learn we givc them harder tasks. They learu a bit of everthing here.- Hc said he helieves* apprenticeships are important for several reasons. ItIs impontant to train someone to work in your environment and to bave them around when the other machinists retire.- The Milton Machine Shop, located on Mill Street, wson the award due to its long standing commitment to training appren- tices and excellence in skilled trades train- ing as well as its marketing and promotion of apprenticeships. The long-time business also focuses on youth in apprenticeship and is nvolved with OYAP and Job Connect. Small Business Trade Show set for next week i Are you interested in seeing which new and networking event, teatuning keynote businesses are out in the market'? speaker Jude Randazzo. The H-lton Region Business Mr. Randazzo will speak on how the r Development Centre will host the Small Great Came of Business concept bas P-[-[T -U LL[lllJ1(1 fmmI'; in hLilPl , . [lin 1- -H 7:30 p.m. The free show, tu be held at 1151 Bronte Rd. in Oakville, will showcase Halton-area businesses that have been operating for three years or less. Following the show will be the Bridges to Better Business forum, an educational agement approach and take them to a new level of success. The forum will also include roundtable discussions with indus- try expents. Registration for the forum costs $50. To register or for more informna- tion. call 905) 825-6000. Photo by GRAHAM PAINE Henry Brinke of the Milton Machine Shop was named Halton's Employer of the Year at Iast Tuesday's Ontario Apprenticeship graduation ceremony. BUYING TOO MUCH SAIT? Start saving TODÀY When you purchQse or rent a __ HIGH SEFFICIENCY WATER SOFTENER! ISIC CALI FOR DETAILSI' Lihd i e fe ISALT SPECIAL F " Vour Time " Your Gasoline " Vour BACKII STOCK UP FOR WINTER Order 9(3%k) bags of saft^and recelve, the1lOth bgFREE Llrnted Urn offer. Expire Nov. 00 "omw4ibý j