Honouring Indigenous Excellence in the Trades: 2024 Somerville Awards

Somerville’s Commitment to Career Development for Indigenous Apprentices

Since 2020, Robert B. Somerville established the Somerville Indigenous Trades Apprentice Award in partnership with Trade Winds to Success to demonstrate their dedication to improving the ability of Indigenous employment candidates to pursue a meaningful and sustainable career in the infrastructure construction industry. Somerville is strongly committed to creating opportunities for long-term career path development for Indigenous employment candidates. One of the most effective ways to support sustainable career development in the infrastructure construction industry is to hire Indigenous trades apprentices on our projects and provide mentorship and certification opportunities. A further way to support Indigenous employment candidates is to provide financial support for Indigenous trades apprentices.

 The awards are granted based on the following criteria:

• Indigenous Identity: All recipients are First Nation, Métis, or Inuit.
• Graduates of Trade Winds: Each has successfully completed a Trade Winds to Success pre-trades training program.
• Active in the Field: Recipients are currently working in construction or are indentured apprentices in years 1 through 4 of their apprenticeship.
• Overcoming Adversity: Through a written submission, each recipient has shown resilience in the face of personal and systemic challenges.
• Pursuing In-Demand Trades: Special consideration was given to individuals training in pipe trades, welding, heavy equipment technician, and other high-demand areas.

Spring and Fall Award Distribution

Awards are distributed in two rounds:

• Spring & Winter 2024 Recipients – 12 recipients

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

   

Together, they represent a powerful cross-section of Indigenous talent, working to shape the future of trades and infrastructure across Canada. To see their stories, check out our Graduates News section.

A Message to Our Recipients

To our 2024 award recipients:
Congratulations! Your stories of hard work, resilience, and passion for your trade are a true inspiration. You were chosen because you are leaders—not just in your field, but in your communities. We are honored to support your journey and look forward to seeing where your skills and dedication will take you.

Building Together

Thank you to Somerville for your ongoing commitment to empowering Indigenous tradespeople. Through initiatives like this, we continue to invest in the future of our communities, our workforce, and our nation. Keep building. Keep rising. Keep inspiring.