December 16, 2025
Now in its third year, the Mike Ash Apprentice of the Year Award honours Mike Ash; a legendary figure at Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyards, renowned for his unparalleled work ethic, expertise, leadership, and dedication to his peers.
We had four outstanding nominees in the running for this year’s award: Conner, Andrew, Carson and Lucas— each of them embodying the spirit, attitude and work ethic that makes Victoria Shipyards a great place to work.
While this made selecting the winner no easy task, we are honoured to share that the winner of the 2025 Mike Ash Apprentice of the Year award is Conner Hood, millwright at Victoria Shipyards.
“We’re honoured to celebrate Conner Hood as the winner and recipient of the 2025 Mike Ash Apprentice of the Year Award. Conner, to be nominated two years in a row is an extraordinary achievement, but to win is outstanding. You show up, you work hard, you learn, but most importantly, you help others. The future of Seaspan and Victoria Shipyards is bright with you on our team. Congratulations!”
– Tony Winter, Vice President & General Manager, Victoria Shipyards
Conner Hood | Millwright
Mike Ash Apprentice of the Year
Congratulations, Conner! How does it feel to be the winner of the 2025 Mike Ash Apprentice of the Year Award?
“I’m feeling grateful to not only be in the running but to have been selected to receive this award, knowing that my superiors see my hard work and dedication to learning how to become the best tradesman I can become in such a demanding and dynamic work environment.”
What do you think got you to this moment?
“I would like to believe that my hard work and dedication to not only this company but my trade in particular have allowed me to stand out from my peers this past year. Being given the opportunities to expand my knowledge and make a difference in my department has enabled me to reach where I am today.”
What’s next for you?
“I just want to keep learning and becoming the best tradesman I can become! Coming into work every day presents new and exciting challenges, and I am looking forward to finding out what is next in my career and where I can keep challenging myself. Seaspan has provided me with so many opportunities, and I hope to continue growing with this company.”
Do you have any encouragement or guidance for current Seaspan apprentices who may be nominated for the upcoming 2026 award?
“Come into work every day prepared to learn and develop skills that will stick with you for the rest of your career. Being able to work closely with such a variety of professionals will allow many opportunities to expand your knowledge. Above everything else, make sure you love what you do! Looking forward to coming into work and being ready to be challenged takes dedication and time, which is so much easier when you just want to do this.”
Please join us in celebrating Conner and his outstanding achievement.