Professional Development/Skills Training

May 21, 2013

Multi-employer approach needed in apprenticeships

A multi-employer approach to apprenticeship training results in higher apprenticeship completion rates, according to a new study commissioned by the Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS).

May 17, 2013

Provinces need to loosen up apprenticeship rules

Provinces that want to encourage more workers to enter into the trades should allow companies to hire more apprentices as strict regulations act as barriers to entry, concludes a new report by the C.D. Howe Institute.

May 16, 2013

Partnership will streamline apprenticeship program in Atlantic Canada

A new regional approach to apprenticeship will create greater mobility and a stronger labour force in Atlantic Canada.

May 15, 2013

Goderich Carpenters’ union help train Habitat project trades

Pass by the site of a 1,200-square-foot house being built this summer in Goderich, Ont. by Habitat for Humanity and you might notice something different: the volunteer corps constructing the house is made up of women.

May 2, 2013

Ontario unveils $295 million Youth Jobs Strategy

Core to Ontario’s 2013 budget is a $295 million Youth Jobs Strategy designed to drive employment among 15 to 24 year olds in the province.

May 1, 2013

Canadian government set to hold consultations on Canada Job Grant

The federal government has launched consultations on the Canada Job Grant, an initiative announced in the recent budget that is meant to transform the way Canadians receive skills training.

April 3, 2013

Hands-on fall prevention training with IHSA

Every year dozens of workers die and many others are seriously injured in Ontario from falls — often from the tops of roofs under construction.

April 1, 2013

2013 federal budget a builder, say industry reps

The construction industry welcomed news of a 10-year infrastructure commitment and a new initiative to increase skilled labour training announced in the 2013 federal budget.

March 26, 2013

Canadian employers central to new Canada Job Grant

Canada’s new Canada Job Grant unveiled in this year’s federal budget has one clear focus &emdash; connecting skills training with employers and jobs for Canadians, says federal finance minister Jim Flaherty.

February 28, 2013

Claims against Ontario College of Trades “baseless”, says Armstrong

A cadre of construction companies has formed a “coalition” to oppose the newly created Ontario College of Trades, claiming it adds nothing of value and its main purpose is to benefit the unions. These are baseless charges, and ignore the imperative to expand our skilled-trades base if we are to remain competitive.

June 26, 2009

Toronto students sticking with CHOICE pre-apprenticeship program

Not many pre-apprenticeship courses can claim as high a retention rate as the CHOICE Pre-apprenticeship Program for Youths at Risk can. In its fifth year, the unique Toronto-based program offers its students a chance to learn carpentry skills on the job at social housing properties operated by Toronto Community Housing Corporation.

June 26, 2009

Conestoga College to get roofing, heating training facilities

Conestoga’s College is busy adding to its Construction Centre of Excellence campus in Waterloo with a roofing training centre set to open its doors this September and an HVAC training facility to follow a year later.