MERITING PRAISE: BUILDING GREAT CAREERS BY PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES
The paycheque has largely been Jason Jeglum’s reward for a hard day’s work throughout his 20- year career as an electrician. But recently his efforts on the job have won him an accolade that put extra money in his bank account and added a feather to his cap.
Jeglum was the recipient of the 2014 Merit- Royal and Sun Alliance Employee of the Year Award in recognition of his many years of outstanding work.
“It was humbling and a huge honour,” says the foreman with Edmonton- based Alta Pro Electrical Services. “To receive this as recognition that I’m doing a good job reaffirms my love for the trade and for my career.” This $ 2,000 cash prize also reinforces his belief that being a member of Merit Contractors-Association is a boon for him and many others in the industry.
The association recognizes contractors and employees at the annual Merit Awards and Merit/ Venture Publishing Contractor of the Year Awards, both of which were sold out this year.
“The best part of these events is hearing the amazing things these employers have to say about their employees and their work,” says Malcolm D. Kirkland, President of Merit Contractors-Association. “There’s a lot for these individuals to be proud of.”
The organization’s philosophy is that outstanding individuals should be recognized throughout their careers to encourage quality work and a love for the industry. This is evident by Merit’s contributions to the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board Awards, acknowledging dedicated apprentices, and Career and Technology Studies awards, which celebrate exceptional high school students from120 Alberta high schools each year.
Merit has helped Jeglum and thousands of others working in the trades in Alberta build a better career thanks to its variety of support and recognition opportunities.
With more than 1,300 open shop ( non- unionized) construction companies in Alberta, Merit represents 45,000 workers. Besides the many opportunities for employee recognition, the association provides significant financial support and incentives for its members and their families, including reimbursement for apprenticeship tuition and post- secondary scholarships. These programs make Merit the second largest provider of post- secondary trades scholarships in Alberta, behind only the provincial government.
The popular tuition refund program provides financial support for members pursuing trades, with a rebate of as much as 100 per cent of the cost of an apprenticeship program.
Merit also provides post- secondary funding support to its members’ families, providing $ 750 toward first- year tuition costs for every eligible child of a Merit member.
“It’s just one of many programs we have here at Merit to support our membership, their families and our communities so they can build bright careers and contribute to an even brighter future for the province,” says Kirkland.