MAP Strategic Workforce Services hosts the Distinction In Mentorship awards gala in Saint John on November, 2nd celebrating those who work in skilled trades. Image supplied by MAPS.

Tradespeople will swap their work clothes for business attire tonight.

The best and brightest in skilled trades will be celebrated at the Distinction In Mentorship awards gala in Saint John.

Hélène Savoie-Louis of MAP Strategic Workforce Services said some mentors are uncomfortable with the attention.

“They do see how essential they are to our industry in construction and manufacturing. Without good mentors, we can’t produce good apprentices and future mentors,” Savoie-Louis said.

This year’s trade advocate nominees are Ron Hutton, Ralph Landers and Wade Weaton.

A selection committee representing education, automotive, construction and forestry review the nominees.

Savoie-Louis said the committee is shown the nominations which can range from five to twenty people in some categories.

“They select on criteria, they read the nominations and then they select the top three and the winners and that’s all unveiled the night of,” Savoie-Louis said.

Prior to the gala, only two people know who the winners are.