Congratulations to VCC’s Red Seal recipients

Vancouver Community College (VCC) Alumni Relations was pleased to honour this past year’s Red Seal recipients at a special online event held Thursday, Feb. 11.

VCC’s second annual Red Seal Recognition Event, which was hosted on Zoom, recognized the 229 alumni who earned a Red Seal endorsement between August 2019 and November 2020 in six different trades: culinary, baking, hairstyling, auto body and collision, automotive refinishing, automotive service, and heavy mechanical trades. 

A Red Seal is proof of excellence in certain skilled trades that is recognized by employers across Canada. A Red Endorsement (RSE) is earned at the end of an apprenticeship by completing a comprehensive examination.

“A Red Seal is a literal badge of success. Wear it proudly,” said VCC president and CEO Ajay Patel in his welcoming message.

B.C. Minister for Advanced Education and Skills Training Anne Kang also addressed the group. “Trades training is as important as any academic accomplishment,” she said. “Tradespeople are in demand and highly valued by all British Columbians. The trades sector looks bright when I look at all of you.”

Trades sector representatives including Industry Training Authority (ITA) CEO Shelley Gray and Craftsman Collision president Rick Hatswell also shared words of pride and encouragement before each Red Seal recipient’s name was read aloud and displayed on the screen.

VCC Loves Trades campaign

In further recognition of VCC trades students, the VCC Foundation also took the Red Seal Recognition Event as an opportunity to launch a new fundraising initiative, VCC Loves Trades.

The new campaign will run in February of each year and support trades programs at VCC. In 2021, funds raised will go to students and equipment needs in Transportation Trades programs.

To support the campaign, Scotiabank, through its ScotiaRISE program, is generously offering $5,000 in matching funds for gifts received before March 15, 2021. “We know that B.C.’s future will require Red Seal trades professionals to rebuild and sustain our economy,” said Stephen Gaskin, Senior Vice President, B.C. and Yukon Region, Scotiabank, who was also in attendance.

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Support our province’s future trades professionals through the #VCCLovesTrades campaign today.