Growing the Electrical Power Line Trades at Hydro Ottawa Limited. Best Practices at Restarting an Apprenticeship Program

This presentation will outline Hydro Ottawa Ltd’s experience over the last five years in restarting an Apprenticeship Program for Overhead Power Line Maintainers and Underground Cable Jointers. The journey begins with building the internal business case and full justification for approval by our regulator in a rate application, to the recruitment and hiring process, to the formal training program, and to the integration of apprentices into the workforce. Productivity and engagement outcomes will be reviewed as will plans for the continued evolution of the Program and the future of the workforce.

PRESENTERS:    Lance Jefferies and Lyne Parent-Garvey, Hydro Ottawa Limited

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Line Workers in Canada Today

Ms. Desrosiers will present an overview of the Electricity Sector Council’s “2008 Situational Analysis of the Powerline Trade in Canada Report” and “The Powerline Technician Trade in Canada: Emerging Practices and Training Delivery Matrix” which provides perceptive highlights of the future of the Powerline trade in Canada. Research findings include a comprehensive overview of the work being done by the electricity industry employers in recruiting, retaining and developing one of the most critical operational roles in the industry.

PRESENTER:     Suzanne Desrosiers, New Brunswick Power

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SUPPORTED BY: Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Advanced Manufacturing’s Specialty-Skilled Training Models

Given the difficulty individual companies have planning for future journeyperson demands: the long lag between starting and completing apprenticeship training; the interdependent nature of automotive companies; and the importance of a highly skilled workforce to the attraction of investment, the concept of alternative approaches to workplace training for specialty-skilled workers warranted further consideration. The Council for Automotive Human Resources (CAHR) researched, identified and validated a specialty-skilled training model that could renew and revive recognizable apprenticeships among advanced manufacturing employers.

This presentation will review the research process, outcomes and next steps to assure a pipeline of specialty-skilled workers; and increase competitiveness through incumbent workers’ skills upgrading.

PRESENTER:     Pat Campbell and John Mavrak, Council for Automotive Human Resources

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Gauging the Essential Skills in the Workplace

The Essential Skills Investigation Team (ESI) examines an automobile accident scene and determines how and why the accident occurred and which Essential Skill weaknesses ultimately led to it. This humourous adaptation is modeled after the popular television series CSI. The video will be followed by an interactive workshop/session on Essential Skills, how different sectors are changing and what skills are going to be more important for apprentices emerging into the workforce.

PRESENTER:     Edward Nasello, Canadian Automotive Repair and Service Council (CARS)

Apprenticeship and Certification in Newfoundland and Labrador - Current and Into the Future

PRESENTERS:     Cliff Mercer and Paul Dinn, Province of Newfoundland and Labrador

No More “Paper Chefs”: Industry Standards and Assessments That Work for the Cook Trade

In 2008 a pilot was initiated in BC to test a better way of assessing and credentialing challengers in the Cook trade. Endorsed by the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA), the project was run through a close partnership between the Industry Training Authority BC and Propel, the industry body with the mandate for industry trades training for BC’s tourism, hospitality and foodservices sector.

Hear from Propel and the ITA how the Cook industry worked to develop Occupational Performance Standards and a range of assessment tools that were used by trained assessors to collect evidence of competency for challengers of the Cook credential. Propel and ITA will describe how the pilot worked, key lessons learned, next steps, and why the industry sees this as the end of the “Paper Chef”.

PRESENTERS:     Jeff Nugent, Industry Training Authority of British Columbia (ITA)
                                 Dennis Green, Propel – go2’s Industry Training Division

Powering the Future IBEW 

The National Occupational Analysis for Construction and Industrial Electricians identifies tasks for the installation of solar panels and wind turbines. The Canadian Electrical Code governs the safe installation of Renewable Power Systems and the Interconnection of Electric Power Production Sources. These codes and standards provide the mandate for renewable energy training for certified electrical journeypersons. Continuous apprentice and journeyperson upgrading is the mantra of the IBEW, and locals across Canada are training in solar and wind energy technologies. The presenters will outline training methodologies that ensure the installation of alternate energy projects are staffed with a certified and competent workforce.

PRESENTERS:     Clarke Hurley, Peter Olders and Ray Mathews
                                 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

APPRENTICESHIP STRATEGIES

Apprenticeship Strategies for Maintaining and Renewing Canada’s Skilled Labour Force

ACCESS offers training; employment and career services to ensure members of the Metro Vancouver urban Aboriginal community have the skills to compete equally and effectively in today’s job market. ACCESS Trades is designated by the Industry Training Authority (ITA) of BC as a sponsor for Aboriginal apprenticeship. ACCESS Trades monitors and supports over two hundred and fifty Aboriginal apprentices in twenty different trades. Our training partners include BCIT and other certified training organizations that offer trades and apprenticeship programs. We will share our strategies for supporting the apprenticeship system. Our apprenticeship specialists assist our Aboriginal apprentices with information about the various trades, with registration for training, registration of apprenticeships with the ITA and we provide counselling and support for the full term of their apprenticeship. Our goal is to increase the number of Aboriginal apprentices who achieve Red Seal or Provincial Trades Certifications.

The Industry Training Authority is the provincial crown agency responsible for overseeing B.C.’s industry training and apprenticeship system, providing a skilled workforce for industry and career development opportunities for British Columbians. The ITA is committed to supporting Aboriginal people to establish careers in the trades, and providing information to employers, service agencies and training providers to assist Aboriginal people in the trades. In this workshop you will learn about the ITA’s Aboriginal Initiative and how relationships, engagement, partnerships, and collaboration have produced results.

PRESENTERS:     Helen Boyce and Blair Bellerose, ACCESS
                                 Gary McDermott, Industry Training Authority of BC

An Ontario-based Aboriginal Apprenticeship Strategy: “Supply meeting Demand”

The Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario (AABO) is the embodiment of the Ontario-based Aboriginal Apprenticeship Strategy “Supply meeting Demand”. Its purpose is to ensure that the components of the Ontario-based Aboriginal Apprenticeship Strategy are well articulated through a plan of action, which will have measurable and positive results throughout the province.

AABO is composed of Ontario Aboriginal Human Resource Development Agreement (AHRDA) holders to whom the Board is ultimately responsible. The Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario works in conjunction with a Partnership Advisory Committee comprised of industry and government representatives to identify and implement best practices around apprenticeship.

The AABO Mission: “increase the number of First Nation, Métis and Inuit people working in the trades through improved access and opportunity to apprenticeship and long-term gainful employment.”

PRESENTERS:     Brian Doolittle, Grand River Employment and Training (GREAT)
                                 John Wabb, Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario

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Innovative Approaches to Apprentice Employment in the Public Sector

Industry concerns over public sector poaching of journeypersons led Saskatchewan to investigate the apprentice employment practices of public sector organizations in the province. The initial findings showed a very poor record of public sector apprentice employment and training; however, there were also innovative approaches by some. These good practices were shared with all involved public sector organizations to encourage adoption and adaptation. This presentation will speak to the review methodology, findings, innovations and improvements two years after the initial investigation.

PRESENTERS:     Wayne McElree, Apprenticeship Consultant
                                 Darcy Cherney, Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour

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Attracting Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises to Initiate/Expand Apprenticeship Programs: The Formation of Regional Apprenticeship Consortia

While there is a need to initiate and/or expand apprenticeship programs, many workplaces are reluctant to begin apprenticeship programs because of the perceived costs and risks associated with apprenticeship programs. These include the administrative resources required to initiate and run the programs, the costs of apprenticeship, the fear of losing apprentices to poaching, etc.

To address these barriers, the Canadian Steel Trade and Employment Congress (CSTEC) has initiated an Apprenticeship Consortium in the Hamilton Region, which includes the participation of workplaces in the Hamilton Region, the Steelworkers Union, Mohawk College, Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities (MTCU), and CSTEC.

In this session, representatives of this consortium will share their experiences in the formation and the benefits of this initiative.

PRESENTERS:     George Nakitsas and Bob Jones, CSTEC

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ORIENTATION AND RETENTION PRACTICES TO INCREASE PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN THE SKILLED TRADES

Orientation and Retention Practices to Increase Women in the Skilled Trades

The Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (WinSETT Centre) is partnering with stakeholders to capitalize on a significant untapped human resource by disseminating progressive policies and practical actions to orient and retain women in the skilled trades.

The Centre is building on the successful delivery of its Welcoming Women into SETT Workplaces Initiative to construction sector employers and training program administrators, as well as a major Retention Initiative in industry. This session will describe expanding the Centre’s capacity to work with a broader spectrum of employers to enhance and maintain respectful workplaces for the engagement and retention of all workers. Examples will focus on effective orientation and retention practices.

PRESENTERS:     Carolyn Emerson and Valerie Overend, WinSETT Centre
                                 Nan Armour, Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering,Science, Trades and Technology
                                 (CCWESTT)

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Women in Non-Traditional Occupations

This session will examine the results of collaborative work undertaken by the CLC and CME on the issue of women in the skilled trades, science and technology occupations.

The objective of the project was to capture knowledge about strategies and practices that have enhanced women’s ability to engage and sustain their participation in employment sectors where they are under-represented, and to:

1. Synthesize this information and produce a practical guide for action that explores the potential for replicating and sustaining promising and successful initiatives.
2. Explore the results of the collaboration and examine the tools and approaches it developed.

Workshop participants will be encouraged to explore how the results of the project could be used in their business, workplace, or union to encourage the full representation of women in the skilled trades and in science and technology occupations.

PRESENTERS:     John Hugh Edwards, Canadian Labour Congress
                                 Derwyn Sangster, Centre for Workplace Skills

Essential Skills: An Approach to Apprenticeship 

Trade Essentials: Testing a New Approach to Apprenticeship Training

Trade Essentials is a 3-year research project. It was designed to incorporate Essential Skills and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) into the apprenticeship system.

The project has resulted in the development of assessment tools, curriculum frameworks as well as a guided process to assist the apprentices through the system regardless of their point of entry. These tools include Essential Skills Inventories, Essential Skills Curriculum Guides, Technical Skills Inventories and Professional Skills Records.

The objective of the session is to share results of the Trade Essentials research project and provide an overview of a new suite of tools, now available for thirteen trades. The presentation will provide an opportunity to consider ways to incorporate these tools into participants’ respective institutional or organizational environments.

PRESENTER:     Sue Leforte, PEI Apprenticeship Division

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Improving Success Rates in First Year Technical Training - An Essential Skills Approach

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton and Bow Valley College in Calgary have been gathering data for 8 years on a process which identifies at-risk students enrolled in first year technical training in carpentry. During this time, more than 500 students have been assessed early in the technical training component and test scores were used to identify apprentices “at risk” of passing the first technical examination. NAIT has been able to convince these at-risk apprentices to participate in a remedial essential skills program scheduled outside of regular classroom hours.

The assessment and remedial program has proved to significantly improve their success rates in the first year of their program. This session will provide information on the assessment tools used, the process of implementation and the nature of the remedial training provided. In addition, an overall analysis of the data will be provided.

PRESENTERS:     Alan Kabotoff, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
                                 Conrad Murphy, Bow Valley College

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CRACKER BARREL SESSION

There will be 3 sets of 25 minute presentations giving “quick” and valuable information that participants can take away. After 25 minutes have elapsed, participants will move to another station with the next topic.

Skilled Trades Employment Program – Bridging the Gap to Employment

Over the past five years the British Columbia Construction Association has been developing an engagement model that links those looking for work in the Construction Sector with opportunities. The Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP) hires trades people (Trades Employment Specialists) to assess skills, review credentials and place individuals into training that leads ultimately to employment. This session will review the delivery model that was created, how it links directly to the apprenticeship system and how it was implemented through 11 offices around the Province of British Columbia. There will also be an opportunity to review the results and discuss the effectiveness of this approach.

PRESENTERS:     Paul Mitchell and Randy Garon, BC Construction Association

E-Learning Solutions for Trades Training in B.C.

Over the past several years, ITA in collaboration with post-secondary trades training providers, industry, new media and e-learning companies has been supporting the development of e-learning solutions for trades training and essential skills upgrading. The session will provide an overview of the e-pprentice Professional Cook and Welder C development projects and a demonstration of the ITA Essential Skills electronic product suite.

PRESENTER:     Jessi Zielke, Industry Training Authority of BC

Apprenticeship in 3D: New Tools for Technical Training

Located in the heart of the Alberta oil sands in Fort McMurray, Keyano College faces many challenges in meeting the needs of its local industry partners, who are some of the largest corporations in the world. These partners employ over 8,000 persons in a broad spectrum of skilled trades. Keyano College is continually challenged to develop and deliver skilled trades training as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Keyano is becoming a leader in the deployment of innovative, technology-based training tools and applications that will transform the way that hands-on training programs are delivered. This session will describe and demonstrate these innovative solutions and Pixelyard’s Mentor3D delivery platform.

PRESENTERS:     Glenn van’t Wout, Keyano College
                                 Barry Nicolle, Pixelyard Productions Inc.

Off-site Tour to Carpenters Millwrights College (Transportation will be provided) 

MUST BE PRE-CONFIRMED TO ATTEND.

Skilled Trades Education: Real World Curriculum

Skilled Trades courses are the starting point for students who want to explore the skilled trades as a possible career option. They feature curricula that immerse students in the realities of skilled trades work. These courses were designed in consultation with industry by high school teachers and experienced trades educators from the Nova Scotia Community College. They provide a mixture of classroom and simulated workplace activities. Students spend 80% of their time completing real construction tasks and building projects, using the basic hand tools of construction industry professionals.

PRESENTERS:     John Drish, NS Department of Education
                                 Lisa Frizzell, NS Department of Labour and Workforce Development

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ENGAGING AND INVESTING IN YOUTH

Industry Investing in Youth Apprenticeship

Industry needs more youth in apprenticeship. The presentation will describe the current high school Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Program and findings of a stakeholder survey to determine support for strengthening the program beyond just awareness. Strong support from students, teachers, parents, and in particular, industry (employer and employee) respondents has facilitated next steps to further support students via work experience and scholarship opportunities. Learn how the construction sector, in particular, is stepping forward with funding to create scholarships for graduates of the SYA Program to assist them to continue on their trades career paths.

PRESENTERS:     Doug Folk, Saskatchewan Construction Association
                                 Wayne McElree, Apprenticeship Consultant

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Youth Apprenticeship: A School District-wide Comprehensive Program of Career Preparation for Apprenticeship and Level One Technical Training

This presentation will explain how a mid-sized B.C. School District has become a provincial leader in the apprenticeship field with 100 apprentices registered with local industries. The presentation will focus on the process of developing skilled apprentices through a process that begins with younger secondary aged students through transition to the workforce through apprenticeship training. This presentation will explain how School District staff works with students, parents and local industry.

PRESENTERS:     Wayne Spencer, Kathy Atkins and Mark Marino
                                 Board of Education of School District no. 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap)

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Promoting Success in Apprenticeship through Numeracy Power

In 2003 a study conducted by the National Electrical Trade Council (NETCO) concluded that weak or rusty numeracy skills are a barrier to success in electrical trades training leading to a Red Seal endorsement.

In partnership with the Construction Sector Council, NETCO subsequently developed Numeracy Power - an on-line assessment that measures individual proficiency in 13 foundation numeracy skills identified as occupational requirements for the three Red Seal electrical trades. It also documented different approaches to numeracy skills training and related best practices. In 2010 NETCO began distributing Numeracy Power through a national network of accredited test administrators.

This presentation will feature a live demonstration of Numeracy Power and highlight developmental guidelines for numeracy assessment and upgrading that may be considered by other trades.

PRESENTERS:     Carol MacLeod, National Electrical Trade Council
                                 Erik Hueglin, Joint Apprenticeship Committee, IBEW, Local 353 & Greater Toronto Area
                                 Electrical Contractors Association

Innovative Approaches to Work Related Learning by Unions 

This workshop will explore innovative approaches to work related learning by unions in Canada by presenting two examples of innovation.

The first presentation will outline a Newfoundland based case in which the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers have created a Masonry College in St. John’s. The school is designed for those who wish to seek training and employment in residential and commercial construction. Courses are offered in a range of levels from pre-apprenticeship to post journey level specialties.

The second presentation will describe how the Canadian Union of Postal Workers successfully bargained an internal apprenticeship entry program with their employer. Previous to this initiative Canada Post often sought to fill skilled trades positions externally. Additional innovations of this initiative are provisions that ensure that women members of CUPW have equal access to the apprenticeship positions.

The workshop will include an in-depth discussion period and the opportunity to bring forward other examples of innovation initiated by unions.

PRESENTERS:     John Hugh Edwards, Canadian Labour Congress
                                 Michele Pitcher, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Workers
                                 Norm Burns, Canadian Union of Postal Workers
                                 Maynor Lee, South Central Letter Processing Plant

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National Standards: Mobility of Trades in Canada

In view of the implementation of the BC Trade Investment Labour Market Agreement, and the more recent federal Agreement on Internal Trade, the need for strong National Standards for trades has never been more critical.

The Canadian Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship and Training Council will present the case through an overview of the rationale for the work that the COEJATC has done in developing National Standards for Operating Engineer occupations, and an explanation of the process that was used for the work.

PRESENTERS:     Ron Williams, Derm Cain and Allan Bruce
                                 Canadian Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship and Training Council

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ABORIGINAL APPRENTICESHIP PARTNERSHIPS

Advancing Aboriginal Apprenticeship Partnerships

In July 2008, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), the Squamish Nation and VanAsep Training Society entered into a two year agreement to provide ongoing apprenticeship education delivery for Aboriginal students, as well as development of further program opportunities for Aboriginal students including completion of apprenticeship and further bridging and laddering into other academic programs offered by Kwantlen. Each of the partners committed to a number of outcomes to ensure that we address the ongoing need for skilled workers by increasing Aboriginal participation in apprenticeship. The session will outline the process of development as well as the outcomes of the agreement over the two year period and beyond.

PRESENTERS:     Dana Goebloed, Kwantlen Polytechnic University
                                 Christine Baker, Squamish Nation Employment and Training

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Job Horizons - Trades and Apprenticeship in Northern Saskatchewan

The successful Job Horizons program has helped connect hundreds of Aboriginal people living in remote northern communities in Saskatchewan to trades and apprenticeship opportunities. What does it take to create the linkages between the companies and the talent pool? Why did this program meet with such success?

PRESENTERS:     Craig Hall and Victoria Labillois, Aboriginal Human Resource Council

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Turning an Idea into a Competitive Advantage

There must be a positive net return on investing in apprenticeship training. This session will present four case studies of how a trend or innovation was quickly turned into a competitive advantage for the apprentice and the employer. These case studies will show how an intuitive training organization can spot a trend and quickly develop the curriculum, resources and instructors to give a competitive advantage to the apprenticeship system.

The four case studies will demonstrate how to take the forward thinking and visionary work of those who study and anticipate future trends and translate it into apprenticeship training.

PRESENTERS:    Kelly Power, Carpenters Millwrights College of Newfoundland and Labrador
                                Cristina Selva, Local Union 27, Toronto
                                Paul Richer, PCL Construction
                                Vic Bodnar and Lee Naylor, Local Union 1985, Saskatchewan

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Crane Operator Certification for British Columbia

The BC Association for Crane Safety is an industry stakeholder group tasked with the responsibility of providing the design and implementation of a crane operator program for the province of BC. This presentation will tell the story and describe the program that is now in place.

PRESENTER:     Fraser Cocks, BC Association for Crane Safety

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Qualifications Frameworks: Linking Apprenticeship with Industry Credentials in the Tourism Sector 

Facilitated by the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC), this session will draw on examples of successful projects that have brought key industry stakeholders together to link certification and apprenticeship in order to build sustainable career paths, maximize recognition of prior learning, and promote the benefits of life-long learning. Examples will include the pan-Canadian Cooks Qualifications Framework which gives an overview of the qualifications available in the culinary field and illustrates opportunities for mobility. Projects from Saskatchewan and Quebec will show how various industry certifications have been linked with apprenticeship in order to foster the development and recognition of workplace skills.

PRESENTER:     Philip Mondor, Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council
                              Gail Hall, Gai Hall Consulting

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WOMEN IN TRADES DIALOGUE 

The following participants will provide perspective and guidance on this important issue:

PARTICIPANTS:    Nan ArmourHypatia Association
                                 Valerie Overend, WinSETT Centre
                                 John Hugh Edwards, Canadian Labour Congress
                                 Tina Kelly, Nova Scotia Community College
                                 Leolyn Hendricks, Seneca College
                                 Derwyn A. Sangster, Centre for Workplace Learning

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CAF-FCA 2010 CLOSING CEREMONIES