July 14, 2022 – Graham Prokopetz—a Red Seal plumber and field operations supervisor with Botting & Associates in Calgary, Alta.—has been selected to receive the 2022 Darryl Cruickshank Red Seal Industry Award.

Bestowed by the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA), the award recognizes an individual from industry who has made an outstanding contribution to the promotion or development of apprenticeship training in Canada.

Prokopetz was selected based on his extensive work and volunteer history, and his inspirational leadership to the next generation of skilled tradespersons, says CCDA.

With over 45 years in the trades, Prokopetz has trained and mentored the majority of Botting’s superintendents over the last 25 years, says CCDA. Since 2010, he has mentored 13 high school students participating in Alberta’s Registered Apprenticeship Program, one of whom was the first woman to obtain a Journeyperson certification in plumbing.

“Graham’s ‘people first’ approach to leadership ensures that apprentices progress in their career which, in turn, promotes excellence in the skilled trades, and demonstrates all the opportunities that come with a skilled trades career,” writes CCDA.

Prokopetz not only mentors apprentices, continues CCDA. He has been an active member of Alberta’s Plumber Provincial Apprenticeship Committee and the Red Seal Provincial Harmonization committee, ensuring that the trade and education standards are relevant and current.

He is also “keen to adapt his trade to new building technologies and methods, as demonstrated by his involvement on projects using building information modelling (BIM), virtual design & construction (VDC), and integrated project delivery (IPD).

Prokopetz spent years providing training on the installation and maintenance of water supply and sanitation projects for CUSO International and UNICEF throughout Africa, South Pacific and Central America.

In 2021, he was inducted into the Alberta Trades Hall of Fame, a program that recognizes and honours skilled trades professionals and educators who have made exceptional contributions to advancing the skilled trades and to supporting the success of others.

“Congratulations Graham, and thank you for your outstanding contributions to your industry and community,” writes CCDA.