The top NWT apprentices in Hay River have been recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE).

On Nov. 8, the five apprentices were honoured with NWT Apprenticeship Awards for the 2017-2018 academic year.

The awards are given to apprentices who achieve the highest marks in the NWT in one of four levels of training in various trades.

"And again our apprentices have done us proud," said Joseph Nayally, regional manager of career development for the South Slave with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment. "It is the apprentices' commitment, hard work and perseverance that earned them the recognition of being the best in their chosen trade."

The apprentices recognized, and the companies where they apprenticed, were:

• Cory John Tybring, heavy equipment technician, level 4; Finning Canada
• Christopher Michael Shaw, welder, level 1; Diavik Diamond Mines Inc.
• Zackary Wyatt Bonnetrouge, welder, Level 3; Aurora Manufacturing
• Emerson Ondris, auto body technician, level 4; Aurora Autobody
• Kodi Robert Walker, automotive service technician, level 3; Aurora Ford

"It's a good feeling," Shaw said. "I did a lot of hard work, a lot of studying, a lot of late nights. Hard work pays off."

Shaw was one of three apprentices on hand to accept the awards in person, along with Tybring and Bonnetrouge.

Coun. Robert Bouchard, representing the Town of Hay River, offered congratulations to the award-winning apprentices.

"Obviously, we're pleased to see a bunch of people getting these awards in Hay River and recognize all that hard work that everybody is doing in Hay River," he said.

Bouchard noted that employers are also happy to be getting well-trained people.

Nayally thanked the many employers who have trained apprentices over the years.

"It would not be possible without them," he said.

The awards are part of the NWT Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Program.