Roberta Ellis has been appointed chair of the board of directors for the Industry Training Authority. She brings more than 30 years of senior executive experience.

“I’d like to welcome Roberta to the board of the ITA and look forward to working with her to support apprentices throughout our province,” said Melanie Mark, Advanced Education, Skills and Training Minister. “I would also like to thank Gwyn Morgan for his years of service.”

Most recently, Ellis was with WorkSafeBC for 17 years, retiring as senior vice-president, corporate services and human resources. Her responsibilities included investigations, policy and research, human resources and community relations.

In Manitoba, she was the associate deputy minister of health between 1996 and 1999 and the deputy minister of labour between 1989 and 1993.

In addition, Ellis has worked as the president and CEO of Aerospace Training Canada International and the president of Manitoba’s Economic Innovation and Technology Council. She has served as a director of the Crown Corporation Employers Association, as well as the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

Ellis holds a diploma in religious education, certificate in secondary education and master of arts degree from the University of Edinburgh.

The Industry Training Authority leads and co-ordinates British Columbia’s skilled trades system. The ITA works with apprentices, employers, industry, labour, training providers and government to fund training, issue credentials, support apprenticeships, set program standards and increase opportunities in the trades.