Patrick Jones awarded for educational excellence

(L to R) Shelley Gray, CEO, Industry Training Authority of B.C., Automotive Program Lead Patrick Jones and Camosun College President Lane Trotter

The new national award honours apprenticeship educators and training instructors who deliver innovative and top quality instructional programming to apprentices in Red Seal Trades.

“Thank you for your outstanding contributions to Camosun College and to your industry each and every day,” says Camosun College President Lane Trotter. “Your peers selected you for this award because of your excellence as an educator and your ongoing dedication to your students and your trade.”

Jones is being recognized as an innovative instructor, a role model for aspiring skilled tradespersons and for his significant contributions to apprenticeship education in the Red Seal trades as an educator, leader in Skills Canada competitions and as a Red Seal Automotive Service Technician Journeyperson Certification with global expertise.

“I’m honoured to be the first recipient of this exciting new award,” says Jones. “It is especially meaningful to know that it reflects recognition from my colleagues and peers across the country.”

“This award acknowledges you as an innovative educator and role model in skilled trades in both the province and in Canada,” says Shelley Gray, CEO of the Industry Training Authority (ITA), who presented Jones with the award plaque on Feb. 9 during a small ceremony at Camosun’s Interurban campus. “Congratulations Patrick on your phenomenal work.”

Jones regularly connects with industry groups and their apprentices to ensure that apprenticeship training emphasizes industry needs and that program curriculum, resources, tools and equipment are current and relevant. Due to these efforts, Camosun’s Automotive program enjoys one of the highest Red Seal Exam pass rates in Canada.