GOOD CAREERS GREAT FUTURES

SKILLED TRADES

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NEWSFLASH: Opportunity Knocks

The publication "Opportunity Knocks : Hot career in the trades" recently printed and distributed through the Realm magazine and as a stand-alone version is now available on the Internet. This bilingual Website provides information about careers in the trades across Canada and contains a list of the 44 Red Seal Trades with brief descriptions of each trade and info on average salary figures, and a listing of provincial and territorial trades organizations. Users will also find articles on the career opportunities in the trades, the apprenticeship process, the new breed of trades workers - including women and new Canadians - and profiles of young tradespeople.

NEW WHMIS TRAINING AVAILABLE

May 28, 2001

After a number of shops were served notices of non-compliance by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, and to meet the requirements of the proposed CISCO program, a new Health and Safety Training program has been introduced in response.

This Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training program is mandatory for collision repair and auto refinish shops.

A Video, Student workbook, and Post test package was produced by the Ontario Service Safety Alliance and designed especially for Ontario's Auto Collision Repair and paint shops.

Featuring five video sections and matching workbooks, the video highlights all the areas needed to meet the legislative requirements for automotive repair shops.

This training package also includes:

• A pocket-sized WHMIS Hazards symbols card for employees
• A poster for the shop with the WHMIS symbols
• A profile on how to set up a joint health and safety committee
• An Isocyanate warning bulletin
• How to easily set up a health and safety policy statement
• How to conduct a health and safety inspection tour of a collision repair shop.
• Guide for a paint shop Isocyanate control program
• WHMIS Training and Information Checklist
• Written emergency plan
• Action planner

This 3.5 hour training course offered to any shop in Ontario can be completed in one evening, or afternoon. Please contact the office at 1-800-318-DENT or ciag@icom.ca or www.ciia.com under "Contact Us/Questions" to book your training.

APPRENTICESHIP RETENTION STUDY RELEASED FOR SKILLED TRADES

Over 350 apprentices surveyed for job retention factors

July 16, 2001

The results of a six month study of skilled trades apprentices, including the collision repair trade, shows that the biggest factors in retaining an apprentice were appreciation for a job well done and that they liked their co-workers. Wages were sixth on the list.

The study "Apprentice Retention in the Skilled Trades" was commissioned by the Industry Education Council of Hamilton and conducted by the Sir Wilfred Laurier University Business Consulting Program and funded by Human Resources Development Canada.

The 350 apprentices interviewed told the survey team that 30% had already switched employers at least once. Some interesting facts:

• 98% were male with 50% under25 years of age.
• 53% believe it would be easy or very easy to get another job in their trade.
• 68% were earning annual salaries in the range of $20,000 to $39,000
• 60% thought they were fairly paid by their employer.
• 85% expressed satisfaction with their skilled trade career choice, so retention is not related to overall career satisfaction as it is related to satisfaction with a specific place of employment.

Some further results:

• Apprentices want to be appreciated by their employer.
• Over 65% ranked "liking the people they work with" as the number one reason they stay with their employers.
• 74% said loyalty increases with job satisfaction.
• 93% of apprentices are proud of the work they do. They saw positive, effective and constructive communication as central to good management.
• Apprentices stay with employers who give them a level of responsibility equal to their ability.
• Apprentices want to work in a safe environment and produce products and services that are not harmful to the consumer.

The study is now available on line at www.skilledtrades.ca or at www.skilledtrades.ca/assets/forum/st_report_summary.pdf It can also be accessed on the collision repair industry site at www.ciia.com under "Training"

The Art of Earning - Hi Tech Careers in Collision Repair

OTTAWA -- The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA), the Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF), and I-CAR are pleased to announce the release of a new CD-ROM entitled: "The Art of Earning."

"The Art of Earning" CD-ROM is a spin-off from the recently released study of the collision repair industry report "Prep for the Future". It is a visual tool that provides information on careers available in the collision repair industry and successfully promotes a positive industry image.

"The presentation includes information on training, skills and salaries. As well, a visual shop tour, interviews with apprentices, technicians and shop managers and a full 'next steps' section provides opportunities for learning about the trade. It is an exciting presentation that speaks to young people about a vibrant industry where they can apply all their skills and talents, as well as, make a good income" stated Larry Jefferies, Chairman of AIA's Paint, Body and Equipment Council (PBE).

The idea for a CD based presentation came from AIA's PBE Council after they received numerous requests from high schools to come visit and speak to students about the collision business. Council members soon realized that they needed an effective visual tool to assist them to deliver a clear message to young people.

"Our goal is to get a copy of this CD-ROM out to all levels of the repair industry. With this kind of tool available, we can now begin to take the industry into the classroom to address key industry challenges of recruitment and industry image" stated Ken Friesen, Chairman of CCIF.

Funding for the CD-ROM came from AIA's PBE Council and I-CAR Canada. It will be distributed to schools, colleges, apprenticeship offices, trade association and CCIF participants.

"This is the type of product that AIA needs to put in the hands of all high schools across Canada" stated Randy Moore, AIA Chairman.

Copies of the CD-ROM are available from AIA Canada. For those without access to CD-ROM technology, there is also a limited quantity of a VHS -version.

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) is a national trade association representing the automotive aftermarket industry. AIA is the Voice and the Resource of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry in Canada.

For further information, please contact:

Beverlie Cook, Vice President Automotive Industries Association (AIA) 1272 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A7 Phone (613) 728-5821 Fax (613) 728-6021 -e-mail bev@aiacanada.com

THE ART OF EARNING

At the last CCIF meeting in Calgary, it was requested that the Attracting and Retaining People committee supply further data to the team working on the CD-ROM entitled "The Art of Earning-High tech careers in the collision repair industry."

The intent was to add this information to the end of the CD-ROM and attach it to the web site addresses, that have already been supplied, so that a young person anywhere in Canada, after viewing the CD-ROM, could obtain local or provincial information on how to become a technician or enter the trade in any area of the country.

The further information requested was the phone numbers from each province or territory for the following:

• Government apprenticeship or Education depts.
• Collision repair trade association if applicable
• Colleges or delivery agents that were delivering apprenticeship training

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/relsites/oth_prov.html.

The most up-to-date list for apprenticeship information is available from the CCDA Secretariat (Directors of Apprenticeship). The HRDC contact is Darryl Cruikshank at 819-953-7442 or e-mail at darryl.cruikshank@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca

The following telephone contacts were found accross Canada:

Newfoundland/ Labrador

Apprenticeship branch ----- 888-982-2268

Colleges:

Academy College (private) 800-561-8000 www.academycanada.com

College of the North Atlantic (community) 888-982-2268 www.northatlantic.nf.ca

Prince Edward Island

Apprenticeship branch: --- 902-368-4625 Att: Craig Norton cgnorton@gov.pe.ca

Trade association: PEI Auto Body Association ---- 902-368-3899

Nova Scotia

Apprenticeship branch: ---- 902-424-5651

Trade association: CRANS (902-453-5968)

Colleges: University College of Cape Breton 902-563-1114 www.uccb.ns.ca

NSCC Akerley Campus 902-491-4900 www.nscc.ns.ca/campus/akerley

New Brunswick

Apprenticeship branch: --- 506-453-2260

Colleges:

Bathurst and Saint John www.gov.nb.ca/ael/nbcc

Bathurst www.bathurst.nbcc.nb.ca

Saint John www.saintjohn.nbcc.nb.ca

Quebec

Apprenticeship branch: --- 418-646-6561 or 514-987-1652 www.csmo-auto.com cim.rens@meq.gouv.qc.ca

Trade association:

l'Association des Carrossiers Professionels du Quebec 450-647-5832

Mouvement Carrossiers Quebec 800-351-1993

Colleges: use phone numbers above

Ontario

Apprenticeship branch: --- 1-888-JOB-GROW

Trade association: (CIAG) 1-800-318-DENT

Colleges:

Algonquin College 800-565-4723 Nepean www.algonquinc.on.ca

Centennial College 800-268-4419 Toronto www.cencol.on.ca

Fanshawe College 519-452-4100 London www.fanshawec.on.ca

Mohawk College 905-575-1212 Hamilton www.mohawkc.on.ca

Niagara College 905-735-2211 Welland www.niagarac.on.ca

Manitoba

Apprenticeship branch: --- 800-282-8069

Trade association: (ATA) 204-475-3235

Colleges: 204-945-3179 or 201-945-8621

Red River College --204-632-3960 x 2266

Alberta

Apprenticeship branch: 780-427-8517

Trade association: (ASRA) 800-282-9909

Colleges:

NAIT - Northern Alberta Institute of Technology 780-471-7400 Edmonton

SAIT - Southern Alberta Institute of Technology 877-284-SAIT Calgary

Saskatchewan

Apprenticeship branch: 306-787-2444

Trade association: (SAAR)

Colleges: Moose Jaw SIAST Pallister 306-694-3200

Saskatoon SIAST Kelsey 306-933-6350

British Columbia

Ministry of Labour, Apprenticeship Branches:

• Cranbrook 250-426-1281
• Prince George 250-565-4465
• Terrace 250-638-6582
• Nanaimo 250-741-5820
• Victoria 250-952-5180
• Dawson Creek 250-784-1310
• Kamloops 250-371-3920
• Kelowna 250-717-2041
• Abbottsford 604-852-5922
• Surrey 604-576-3771
• Coquitlam 604-927-2912
• Burnaby 604-775-2860
• Vancouver 604-775-1251
• Courtenay 250-334-1444
• Nelson 250-354-6865
• Williams Lake 250-398-4771 www.itac.gov.bc.ca

Trade association: (ARA) Automotive Retailers Association 604-432-1756

Colleges:

Okanagan University College 250-762-5445 Kelowna www.okanagan.bc.ca

Vancouver Community College Vancouver www.vcc.bc.ca

Yukon

Apprenticeship branch 867-667-5811 or 867-667-5298 or 867-667-5140

NWT/ Nunavet

Apprenticeship branch: 867-979-5822 or 867-975-5600

ONTARIO ANNOUNCES NEW APPRENTICESHIP FUNDING

Money to double number of entrants

May 9, 2001

On February 9th last year, Tony Nigro, the President of the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) spent two hours with Ontario Premier Mike Harris over a lunch meeting and informed the Premier that more apprentices were needed to keep the collision repair industry healthy.

Today, Ontario's budget delivered. The following announcements were made at Queen's Park this afternoon:

• $33 million will be invested by 2004-2005 to double the number of entrants to apprenticeship programs in the skilled trades
• $50 million over five years will be spent for up-to-date equipment and facilities in colleges for apprenticeship programs.
• $12 million over three years will be spent to help foreign trained professionals employ their skills more quickly in Ontario
• $60 million will be spent to start up an innovative post-secondary institution, the Ontario Institute of Technology
• $1 billion will be spent with partners to provide an additional 73,000 new spaces for students in post-secondary facilities
• The government also has advised HARA that they will fund a new collision repair day-release apprenticeship class for the Hamilton area starting in August 2001.

For further information on the budget please call the Ministry of Finance at 1-800-263-7965 or to register for the new collision repair apprenticeship class, please call the collision repair association at 1-800-318-DENT

CAREER PATH FOR CLASS "B" APPRENTICES

MADE EASIER

"bodyshop" article points the way!

There's a high school in London, Ont. that is providing students with a program that gives them a head start on careers and that tackles the shortage of skilled trades people, particularly in the body shop industry.

The pilot program for the Thames Valley School Board is the only one of its kind in Ontario and could become a model for other area schools and boards according to Terry Allen, the Auto Body teacher at Saunders Secondary School in London

The program is known as the Saunders Auto Body Refinishing Employability (SABLE) Skills Program. It all started in 1998 when Allen read an article in "bodyshop" Magazine which pointed to frustration in the industry about the lack of students getting involved in apprenticeships. Allen took it to heart and approached the people in charge of programs to see if there was a way to get to serious students who know what they want to be. In this case it was being a Class B Mechanic. As a result, the school held an information night for Grade 10 students and their parents. Students who were interested were asked to make a commitment to the program. "We received a commitment from home, the students and from the business community," Allen explains

SUPPORT OVERWHELMING

"I'm a Class B Mechanic and I have been in this industry for 27 years and when I was seeking sponsors for the program I did not have one person or one company refuse me. I was literally overwhelmed. In fact, even though we didn't require that type of support, many of them took their checkbooks out. We weren't after the money, we were after support."

Now students at Saunders Secondary School are working at repair shops across the city, gaining apprenticeship experience that will be credited by the provincial government and the local community college, Fanshawe College. The program is initially expected to graduate 10 to 15 students and when they graduate all of them have jobs lined up. In September, the program will be expanded to include auto mechanics and a machine shop class.

HOW IT WORKS

Here is how the program works:

Students must indicate their interest in the apprenticeship program in Grade 10 and they must take the required courses. In Grade 11, they send out resumes to businesses and they are matched with employers.

The students spend half their school day in the employer's shop learning the trade, the other half in school taking regular subjects. During the summer Grade 11 students work with the employer for eight weeks.

In Grade 12, with the assistance of the Ontario's Youth Apprenticeship Program, they continue with their employer placement and spend eight weeks in their last semester attending Fanshawe College. There they write tests for basic-level auto body apprentice.

When the students graduate from high school, not only have they been registered as an apprentice for two years, they leave the school classified as an intermediate apprentice. The students then continue intermediate and advanced training at Fanshawe College and can be fully accredited as auto body mechanics in 18 months, greatly reducing the cost of their post-secondary education.

Allen notes that there is a shortage of skilled trades' people across the country. He says despite the fact that skilled mechanics can earn between $50,000 and $100,000 a year the shortage is expected to grow worse because an impending wave of retirements.

There are a total of 20 partners in the SABRE Skills Program, including four car dealerships, about 10 body shops and some related automotive businesses.

NEW ONTARIO TRADES LICENSE HELP

College offers help to successfully complete exam

March 19, 2001

The province of Ontario's Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) has partnered with Mohawk College to provide a pre-license training program.

All technicians working in the autobody and collision repair industry MUST hold a trades license/certificate to work in the province. This trades license or certificate means that the public is assured that the technician that is professionally repairing their damaged car or truck, has been properly trained and tested in his/her knowledge. The trades license/certificate also states that they have passed the provincial qualification exam that has assessed their knowledge of their skilled trade.

There are a number of workers in the industry who are ready to take the final exam that will lead to the successful awarding of their Certificate of Qualification to work in the trade.

Mohawk College, Stoney Creek campus, is now offering a pre-license training program to assist workers in obtaining their Certificate of Qualification. This is increasingly important pre-license training for those who have had difficulties in writing prior exams, those that have been working without trades qualification and workers who may have the required hours of training but not taken the final exam. As well, the final pass rate for the exam increases to 70% pass rate in July, 2001. The course is offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting April 10 for 12 nights over 6 weeks from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Students can register in person at any Mohawk College campus. By mail with cheque, or money order with a completed registration form or information sheet to: Mohawk College, Continuing Education registration, PO Box 2034, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3T2 (905) 385-HAWK, or by faxing with a visa number and completed registration form to (905) 575-2348. A course outline and registration form is available by calling the association office at 1-800-318-DENT

The Pre-license Auto Body course number is: SAM 67-S1

Cost for the 12 night training course is $174.96 (GST exempt)

"My technician registration is with Mohawk College for course #SAM67 S1 Pre-License Autobody in Stoney Creek starting April 10-May 17 The cost was $174.96 and it was because of information faxed to me by HARA on New Ontario Trades License Help that we found out.. I have being trying to get this technician motivated to write his license for a while and this is just the type of program we have been looking for!!" --Don Teevens, Hawley Collision Center

WANTED- CO-OP STUDENTS INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN THE COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY

Summer paid employment also offered

February 5, 2001

The collision repair and auto refinish industry has a number of shops that are looking for co-op students and apprentices interested in a career of repairing and repainting damaged cars and trucks.

Due to a significant increase in motor vehicle collisions, increasing non-insurance paid work and a number of current and planned retirements, the industry needs students who are eager to use their in-school knowledge and learn new skills in the high-tech world of vehicle structural repair and auto refinish.

Under the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program that is offered at all secondary schools in the new City of Hamilton and in Halton Region, students can work on a trial basis through a co-op placement for one semester (half day). Students have the opportunity to "prove" themselves to the employer and successful students stay with that employer to begin their apprenticeship. This is done through an additional co-op placement (half or full day) during their final year of high school. Students can be working as an apprentice, while at the same time completing requirements for their high school diploma. It's a "win-win" situation for both the student and the employer.

As part of this placement, specific shops will offer summer paid employment to the student and then arrange for the student to take their first in-school apprenticeship training at Mohawk College at a planned college apprenticeship program starting in late August, 2001. The college training is funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

If you are serious about a career in the collision repair industry please contact your local co-op placement counselor, or the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, Catholic Board, the Halton School Board or the Coordonnateur Education cooperative, Conseil Scolaire De District Du Centre-Sud-Ouest. Students can also contact the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) at 1-800-318-DENT.

ONTARIO YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) offers Ontario secondary school students the opportunity to train as registered apprentices while enrolled in school. It allows a student to complete his or her Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and to gain apprenticeship training towards a Certificate of Qualification with journeyperson status in a skilled trade.

Benefits to Youth

• Students earn credits towards an OSSD, while hours worked on the job are applied to journeyperson certification.
• Doors are kept open. Students who find they are not suited to the trades can return to a regular school program after one semester with no penalty.
• Students earn a percentage of a journeyperson's wage during the on-the-job portion of the program.
• Students may gain exemption from some of the regular apprenticeship training courses by participating in OYAP.

Who Is Eligible?

• Students who are at least 16 years of age and have completed Grade 10 can apply.

Education Requirements

• Students must complete a minimum of three in-school credits per year.
• Schools are required to monitor the program offered in the workplace, to ensure that it meets secondary school credit requirements.
• To receive an OSSD, students must still complete all compulsory credits.

Apprenticeship Requirements

• Students must be employed with a qualified employer.
• Students must fulfill all requirements of an apprenticeship program including the in-school portion unless an exemption is specifically negotiated.
• The students' progress will be monitored by training consultants from the Ministry of Education and Training, to ensure that industry standards and training requirements are being met.

How to Apply

• Contact your school's guidance department or your local apprenticeship office.
• You can also call the Training Hotline at (416) 326-5656 or 1-800-387-5656 for more information.

TRADE CERTIFICATION

To be employed in certain skilled trades, workers must have a Certificate of Qualification. This certificate states that they have passed the provincial qualification exam that assesses their knowledge of their skilled trade.

To write the provincial qualification exam, applicants must prove they have experience in the trade. Examples of proof include completion of an apprenticeship contract, documentation showing that training time meets at least minimum industry standards, or proof of sufficient relevant experience as a skilled worker.

Training consultants at ministry apprenticeship offices can guide applicants on how to gather the documents they need to prove they have the skills to write the exam. Consultants also evaluate the evidence in these documents to determine whether applicants are eligible to write the exam.

Many employers also want skilled workers to have a Certificate of Apprenticeship. This certificate is awarded as proof that the worker has completed apprenticeship training, including the provincial exam where required, and meets the standards of competency set by industry.

Fees are charged for certain services. Training consultants at ministry apprenticeship offices can provide more information.

WHAT IS APPRENTICESHIP?

Apprenticeship is a hands-on training program for people who want to work in a skilled trade and who enjoy learning by doing. About 90 per cent of apprenticeship training is provided in the workplace by employers. The remainder involves classroom instruction on theory, which is usually given at a local community college, or provided through another approved training organization. A person taking apprenticeship training is called an apprentice.

Both employers and apprentices benefit from apprenticeship training. Employers help create a pool of skilled workers who can help keep businesses competitive. Apprentices receive training that will start their careers as skilled workers. Apprentices are workers, so they earn as they learn.

Why should I become an apprentice?

Apprenticeship training provides access to well-paying jobs that demand a high level of skills, judgement, and creativity. The demand for skilled workers continues to increase, with top performers in some skilled trades earning more than $40,000 a year. Many skilled workers use their skills and experience as stepping stones toward careers in management, while others go into business for themselves.

Can anyone become an apprentice?

A high school education with a strong foundation in math, sciences, and communications is important to success as an apprentice.

How can I become an apprentice?

A person who wants to become an apprentice must first find an employer who wants to hire an apprentice. Then either the trainee or the employer must contact a training consultant at the closest Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities apprenticeship office. The training consultant will meet the trainee and the employer at the workplace to assess the employer's ability to train. Once the consultant determines that a high standard of training can be provided, the trainee and the employer sign an apprenticeship contract, which registers the trainee as an apprentice, and training begins.

How long does it take to train as an apprentice?

The length of time an apprenticeship takes varies, depending on the trade.

What does it cost to become an apprentice?

Apprentices and skilled workers pay fees for certain services. For details, talk to a training consultant at a Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities apprenticeship office.

Can a high school student become an apprentice?

Yes. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program gives students who are at least 16 years old and who have completed Grade 10 the opportunity to complete high school while working part-time as a registered apprentice. Students who are interested in the program should contact their guidance counsellor, technical director, or the nearest ministry apprenticeship office.

What happens when an apprentice has completed training?

Apprentices must prove to their employer that they are competent in the skills described in the industry-set standards established for the skilled trade. Once an apprentice has demonstrated these skills and completed the required on-the-job and classroom training, he or she can write an exam for certification. A candidate must obtain a minimum score of 60% in order to pass. Apprentices who pass receive both a Certificate of Apprenticeship and a Certificate of Qualification issued by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. These certificates state that the apprentice's skills and knowledge meet the standards set by industry for skilled workers in that trade.

Can a skilled worker find work anywhere in Canada?

Skilled workers who have received their training in Ontario can work anywhere in the province. Agreements among the provinces and territories allow skilled workers in certain trades to work anywhere in Canada. Training consultants at ministry apprenticeship offices can provide more information.