Champion in Education & Training Award

Awarded: October 23, 2026 | Submission Deadline: August 14, 2026

The Champion in Education & Training Award recognizes a CANS member company that champion education by creating opportunities for their teams to learn, grow, and advance. This award celebrates organizations that invest in learning as a core part of how they do business.

The Champion in Education & Training Award highlights companies that view CANS Education as a strategic partner, actively participating in its programs, contributing to its success, and leveraging CANS-led learning opportunities to develop their people and support the broader industry.

Training programs do not need to be formal or externally certified to demonstrate impact. Submissions will be reviewed in context, taking company size, capacity, and scope of work into account.

Eligibility Criteria
  • The nominee must be a CANS member company in good standing
  • The nominee must conduct work in Nova Scotia
  • Nominees may be involved in any sector of the construction industry
  • Self-nominations and third-party nominations are welcome
  • Demonstrated engagement with CANS education and training initiatives within the past two years
  • Have verifiable examples of formal or informal education, training, or mentorship programs that benefit workers, partners, or the broader industry

Submission Requirements

All nominations must include a written submission of no more than 1,200 words total that clearly addresses each of the five criteria. We recommend drafting your submission in Word to help track your word count. Submissions exceeding the limit will not be reviewed by the selection committee.

Supporting materials are welcome and encouraged and are not included in the word count.

  1. Commitment to Workforce Training (maximum 25 points)

Explain how your company demonstrates an ongoing commitment continuous learning and skill development for employees. Examples may include:

  • Supporting participation in CANS courses, workshops, or certification programs
  • Investments in upskilling, leadership development, or trade-specific certifications
  • Support or reimbursement for courses, certifications, or leadership development

  1. Innovation in Education & Learning (maximum 20 points)
    Describe any creative or customized approaches your company use to make learning accessible, engaging, or relevant. This could include:
  • In-house learning platforms or mentorship programs
  • Tailored courses for specific workforce needs
  • Innovations that increase accessibility or engagement in training
  • Offering flexible learning opportunities (e.g., during work hours, online options)

  1. Support for Career Growth (maximum 20 points)
    Outline how your company supports people entering or advancing within the industry, such as:
  • Completion incentives or retention supports
  • Providing mentorship or peer learning opportunities
  • Offering leadership pathways for skilled workers moving into supervisory or management roles
  • Collaborating with schools, colleges, or workforce programs to introduce people to construction careers
  • Creating advancement opportunities linked to skills gained through CANS Education
  1. Industry Leadership & Sector Engagement (maximum 20 points)
    Describe how your company contributes to strengthening workforce development across the sector. Examples may include:
  • Supporting or hosting industry training events
  • Speaking at education or training conferences
  • Participating in industry-related advocacy, boards, or advisory groups
  • Working with partners or associations to promote workforce development initiatives

  1. Measurable Results & Impact (maximum 15 points)
    Share the outcomes of your education and training efforts. Examples may include:
  • Data, metrics, or testimonials that demonstrate success, such as increases in certifications, completion rates, or upskilling
  • Participation numbers, completion rates, or certifications earned through CANS programs
  • Improved retention or promotion linked to training
  • Lessons learned or positive impacts on projects, safety, or leadership capacity

Supporting Materials

Nominees are encouraged to include up to three additional supporting documents to strengthen their application, such as:

  • Testimonials from partners, clients, or staff
  • Training completion statistics or reports
  • News coverage, awards, or letters of support

All supporting materials must be clearly labelled and referenced in your submission. Supporting materials are not included in the overall word count; however, they should be limited to the most relevant and impactful items only and must not exceed six pages total. Materials submitted beyond this limit will not be reviewed by the selection committee.

Award Process and Conditions


Designated Company Representative

All award recipients will be announced at the CANS Awards Gala. Each nomination must include a designated company representative who will act as liaison with CANS if the nominee is selected. This individual must:

  • Maintain confidentiality until the public announcement at the Gala
  • Confirm attendance at the CANS Awards Gala or assign a representative

Selected recipients will participate in a brief interview process following judging. Portions of the interview may be recorded for presentation at the Gala.

How to Submit
  • Submit your nomination by August 14, 2026, at 4 p.m. A.T.
  • This nomination will be completed in a form format, with each criterion addressed in its own response field. You may distribute your total word count of up to 1,200 words across the sections as you see fit.
  • Individual deadline extensions will not be granted. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Selection Process

A committee of industry leaders will review all nominations. Each submission will be scored out of 100 points based on the criteria outlined above. The award recipient will be selected based on total score. Emphasis will be placed on genuine commitment to learning, practical impact, and positive workforce development.