July 7, 2008

Canadian Apprenticeship Forum

Innovative George Brown trades program trains potential apprentices

SHANNON MONEO

correspondent

In Toronto, the city’s 14 social service agency offices carry a caseload of almost 70,000 people. Of this number, 39,000 are in their prime working years, from ages 16-30.

About six years ago, the city, George Brown College and PTP (Pathway to Possibilities Adult Learning and Employment Programs) joined forces to give some of these individuals a way to learn a skilled trade.

“These are the hardest to serve,” PTP’s Barbara McFater told an audience of roughly 100 people attending a workshop this month at the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s 2008 Conference in Victoria, B.C.

Program clients included single parents, new immigrants and refugees, abused women, aboriginals, high school dropouts, substance abusers or those with mental health problems.

“They might not become a millwright,” said George Brown College’s Matt Foran. “But there’s a path for everybody.”

The program, which is open to those 19 and over who commit to 100 per cent attendance, has four phases. During the first three months, candidates are interviewed for suitability and assessed for ability.

The attrition rate is substantial. Many of the students typically require language and math upgrading. Finding child care has also been a major problem for many participants.

The next five months involve upgrading and exploration, all with a focus on the skilled trades. It’s during this period when they’re dropped into a shop with tools and equipment to get a feel for the environment. Level 1 training in the particular trade occurs during the following two months.

And finally, a four-month work placement finishes the process. People could choose the trade they were interested in. They would then attend the training institution which offered the course, rather than feeling forced into choosing what was available at one facility.

Job expectations were dealt with honestly, so that students knew exactly what conditions they were likely to encounter at the job site. The experience of the program so far suggests there are factors impeding completion or employment success.

Negative employer attitudes and racism were evident, said Rolf Priesnitz, a George Brown College trades instructor. Only 18 per cent of employers approached accepted apprentices, he said.

In his plumbing program, 200 prospects began the program last July. That was narrowed to 30, then dropped to 25, with 21 finishing the 14-month course. Almost all found work but only a handful secured apprenticeships.

But students’ objectives weren’t to finish the course. The object was to find work. “This is not your average person coming off the street,” Priesnitz said of his students.

There were similar results in the other trade streams. One of the inspiring stories was 18-year-old Charles Williams. Via a video presentation, Williams told his story.

The unemployed Barrie, Ontario resident decided to try the program, “drawn in by coffee and doughnuts.” Assessments showed he needed to upgrade his Grade 7 math skills.

With plans to be a plumber, Williams realized he’d have to hit the books.

Intimidated but eager, Williams got used to his 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. training schedule. “In five years, I’ll be sipping Margaritas,” he said of his planned, lucrative plumbing career. Students like Williams were provided with funding from Toronto Social Services for travel, tools, grooming and rent. It’s hoped this program is adapted in other jurisdictions, Foran said.

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