E-Blast: December 2025
2025 Red Seal Awards of Excellence awarded to Kent Shaw and John Poirier
The Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Red Seal Award of Excellence. This prestigious award recognizes apprenticeship authority staff who demonstrate inspiring leadership in the development and promotion of apprenticeship and trade certification.
While the award is traditionally presented to a single individual each year, this year we are delighted to honour two exceptional recipients whose contributions have set a remarkable standard of excellence.
Kent Shaw, a dedicated leader in apprenticeship and skilled trades, has been selected by the CCDA as a recipient of the 2025 Red Seal Award of Excellence. Kent 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. His leadership as Vice Chair of the Interprovincial Standards and Examinations Committee from 2020 to 2022, and as Chair from 2022 to 2023, has been instrumental in guiding the development of Red Seal standards and exams, ensuring consistency and quality across Canada.
In addition to his national contributions, Kent has strengthened apprenticeship training in New Brunswick by implementing instructor development programs, supporting the growth and excellence of skilled trades education. He is widely recognized for his collaborative spirit, technical expertise, and unwavering support for Red Seal activities, always bringing leadership, generosity, and warmth to every initiative.
The CCDA Red Seal Award of Excellence is a testament to Kent’s dedication, innovation, and the positive influence he has had on apprenticeship and trade certification in Canada. The CCDA is proud to recognize Kent for his outstanding service and for championing the values of equity, inclusion, and excellence in the skilled trades.
John Poirier, Vice Chair of the Interprovincial Standards Examination Committee (ISEC) from 2023 to 2025 and a dedicated member since 2013, has also been selected by the CCDA as a recipient of the 2025 Red Seal Award of Excellence.
Throughout his tenure, John 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. John’s unwavering support for Red Seal activities is well known—he is often the first to volunteer, always ready to lend his expertise and encourage colleagues.
John’s contributions extend beyond technical improvements; he brings generosity, humour, and a collaborative spirit to ISEC, fostering a positive and inclusive environment both in and out of meetings. His commitment to the mandate and objectives of the CCDA has helped strengthen apprenticeship pathways and support the success of tradespeople nationwide.
Following John’s recent retirement from Skilled Trades Ontario, the CCDA is proud to recognize his years of service, leadership, and dedication. His legacy will continue to inspire those who work to advance apprenticeship and skilled trades certification in Canada.
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the Red Seal Award of Excellence. Click Awards and Recognition to find out more about the CCDA’s various awards and recognition initiatives.