Friday, September 28, 2012

Skilled trades training equips women
for career and life success

Skilled trades training equips women for career and life success
Posted on September 27, 2012 by mcdonaldm

 Burlington, ON: Four students in the Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) Enhanced General Carpentry program were recognized with scholarships at a ceremony held today at The Centre for Skills Development & Training

The four scholarship recipients are: Meagan Bremer of Carlisle (ATHENA scholarship award); Tracey Fisher of Stoney Creek (ATHENA scholarship award); Liane Seager of Hamilton (ATHENA scholarship award); and Marisa Mateus of Oakville (RESCON scholarship award).

“The WIST scholarships were established to recognize leadership qualities and the willingness of students to be ambassadors for women in the skilled trades—and each one of this year’s recipients embodies these characteristics,” said Kathy Mills, Chief Administrative Officer of The Centre. “These women, and all the women in the WIST program, are taking extraordinary steps to improve their lives, and we wish them the best success in the future.”

 The scholarships, in the amount of $500 each, were provided by the Athena Scholarship Fund (a fund held within the Oakville Community Foundation) and RESCON (the Residential Construction Council of Central Ontario).

 Representatives from the Halton Industry Education Council (HIEC) and apprenticesearch.com were on hand at the ceremony to announce a new scholarship. This new scholarship will be awarded to one WIST graduate who is proceeding into an apprenticeship.

“HIEC and apprenticesearch.com are excited to partner again with The Centre and offer a scholarship to one deserving graduate from its Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) program,” said Jennifer Sorbara, apprenticesearch.com Liaison. apprenticesearch.com is a free online service connecting employers and apprentices with job opportunities in the skilled trades across Ontario. “With the help of Centre staff and instructors, the $500 scholarship will be awarded to a WIST graduate who is passionate about pursuing a career in the skilled trades through an apprenticeship. We wish all of the future graduates tremendous success as they complete their program.”

To read more of the this article click here to go to The Centre's page

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Some apprenticeships in Western Ontario


Job# 12103 Automotive Service Technician 1st or 2nd yr apprentice in Stoney Creek
Job# 12141 Refrigeration & Air Cond. Technician 3rd yr apprentice in Waterloo
Job# 12124 Automotive Service Technician 2nd yr apprentice in Cambridge
Job# 12101 General Machinist 1st or 2nd yr apprentice in Elora
Job# 12085 Instrumentation & Control Tech. x4 1st yr apprentice in Hamilton
Job# 12072 C&M Electrician 4th yr apprentice in Waterloo
Job# 12066 CNC Programmer x2 0 yr apprentice in Cambridge
Job# 12058 General Machinist x2 1st yr apprentice in Cambridge
Job# 12038 Truck & Trailer Service Tech. x2 1st yr apprentice in St. Agatha

For these apprenticeships and more goto www.apprenticesearch.com and login.

If you don't have an account you can create one for FREE here by supplying some basic information about yourself and uploading your resume. When approved you can search our database for apprenticeships across Ontario. If you are an employer wanting to post a FREE apprenticeship vacancy and have a profile login and create a job posting. If need to create a profile, and upload a job you can here If you already have an account and can't remeber your username and or password contact us at admin@apprenticesearch.com or phone 1.877.905.2748 x20

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Ontario College of Trades will protect apprentices

OCOT will protect apprentices 
 
(Letter from Pat Blackwood, Vice-Chairperson Ontario College of Trades)
 
Dear Editor,

In your article of Aug. 23 about the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT), it is only telling one side of the story, and quite frankly has been fueled by misinformation.

The OCOT will serve in its intended capacity to increase advocacy and improve training for trades people and apprentices that will serve to protect consumers.

The college would allow trades people to come to the table and help govern their own industry, rather than the coalitions opposing the college, who would rather have a bureaucrat at Queens Park regulate the trade.

In their own argument against the college, vice-chair Susan McGovern claims that contractors will have to lay off apprentices because they are violating the ratios that govern these apprenticeships by law.

This is one of the reasons there is a need for a self-governing body, to protect apprentices from being abused and taken advantage of by contractors, who do not properly indenture them, and who do not train the apprentices according to the current regulations TQQA.

Apprentices find themselves, three or four years down the road, not being able to complete their apprenticeship, as they were not properly registered in the first place.  These same contractors hold themselves out as being qualified, yet are not properly certified themselves. Yes, I can certainly see why this association is opposed to the college.

To say that the OCOT is an $84 million tax grab is just untrue; our budget for 2013 is $20 million....

To see the rest of the article click here

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Carpenters Union opens drywall apprenticeship
training school in Sudbury, Ontario

From The Daily Commercial News and Construction Record
September 18th, 2012

Students in drywall apprenticeship prepare work stations out of steel stud frame at the new drywall training centre at Carpenters Local 2486 in Azilda, Ontario.

Carpenters Union opens drywall apprenticeship training school in Sudbury, Ontario
At the end of every weekend for eight weeks straight Robert Rapp packed his bags, said goodbye to his wife Pam and two young children Jake and Bobbie, and made the 4.5-hour drive from his home in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario to Ottawa. 

His long trek was to the Ottawa Walls and Ceiling Training Centre where Rapp took classes Mondays to Fridays to complete his drywall apprenticeship training.
Being that far from home five days a week wasn’t easy. Finding room and board on a small fixed budget rarely is. Back in Sturgeon Falls his wife had her hands full taking care of the kids. Life apart was challenging for both of them. 

Rapp completed his final classes earlier this February and got his journeyman papers in March. 

To read on click here

Friday, September 21, 2012

Safety: Ladders
Very Informative worth a read

LADDERS this is as 6 page PDF with Illustrations Very informative

INTRODUCTION
Every year in the Ontario construction industry more than 350 lost-time injuries are caused by ladder accidents. Many of these accidents involve falls resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. Falls from ladders are common to all trades and pose one of the most serious safety problems in construction. The following are major causes of accidents.

— Ladders are not held, tied off, or otherwise secured.
— Slippery surfaces and unfavourable weather conditions cause workers to lose footing on rungs or steps.
— Workers fail to grip ladders adequately when climbing up or down.
— Workers take unsafe positions on ladders (such as leaning out too far).
— Placement on poor footing or at improper angles causes ladders to slide.
— Ladders are defective.
— High winds cause ladders to topple.
— Near electrical lines, ladders are carelessly handled or improperly positioned.
— Ladder stabilizers are not used where appropriate

We should always consider and plan for the safest way of undertaking work that cannot be done on or from ground level or while standing on the finished floor of a building or structure. In some cases, the use of ladders may be required. However, when dealing with elevated work or when working at heights, itʼs important to first consider whether the use of scaffolding, work platforms or powered
elevating work platforms (PEWPs) is more appropriate and a safer alternative to ladders. If it is determined that a ladder will be used, then a risk assessment of the ladder work should be done.

This chapter provides guidelines for selecting, setting up, maintaining, and using ladders. Because ladders are frequently used in the construction industry, there are many thousands of hours of exposure to ladder hazards every week.

to download PDF and read more   click here

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Skilled trades a vanishing breed

By PJ WILSON, The Nugget

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Canada is not alone
America Needs Skilled Tradespeople

Our Skilled Trade dilemma is echoed in the United States. Get yourself involved or encourage someone you know to get involved with a skilled trade today. You will always have work, job security, and a decent rate of pay......  

Here is the American perspective.

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C., Sept. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — America has a shortage of professional tradesmen. According to ManpowerGroup’s 2012 report, our nation’s number one category of the hardest jobs to fill is that of skilled tradesmen. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that more than one third of skilled tradesmen are over the age of 50. In fact, for every three tradesmen who retire, there’s only one skilled person trained to perform the work. These trends could mean trouble for a rebounding America. At the heart of this shortfall of plumbers, welders, roofers, masons, auto mechanics and other skilled workers is a culture that fails to honor the hard work that these men and women do every day, despite job openings and opportunities to earn good wages as tradesmen.
redOrbit (http://s.tt/1nzob)

To read on Click here

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Rain Tires Anyone

Flamboro Speeway is one of my favourite tracks.  It is really tough to drive fast on.  It teaches car control and the limits of your race car.  We have a small 1 point lead in the Ontario Pro Challenge points.  We need to have a great night to build up our lead.  Mostly I just wanted to perform well in front of my family, friends, hockey and soccer teams. The kids from hockey and soccer signed the back bumper of the car.  It was cool to see them all cheering in the stands wearing their jerseys. We started last again on the outside.  We passed the 02 car for 1 more point towards the championship.   The car was hooked up, the left front tire was lifting off the ground under power.  It was the best car I have ever driven at Flamboro.  We finished a close second in the heat.  Starting 8th in the feature, we needed a good start.  Up to the front and overtaking the leader on lap 3.  Thats when it went crazy.  On lap 4 it started raining, and I dont mean a little bit of rain.  I could hardly see out the front window from the lights and the raindrops. I slowed down and watched the flagman.  If we get to lap #15 that is half way and considered a complete race.  I kept an eye on the competition behind me and had to be very carefull driving.  These slick tire have zero grip on wet asphalt.  we slid into, through the middle and out of every turn.  Did I foget to mention..... Flamboro is a tough track on a dry day.  We held on to lap #15 and they through us the checkers. Our 4th feature win out of 9 races.  This has been our best seaon so far and we gained 6 more points.  We now lead by a very slim 7 points going into Sunset for the seasons final race.  Lets hope the weatherman keeps the track dry.  Come and cheer us on to see if we can become 3 time champions.

A Spin And A Win

Mosport is the fastest track that we race at. It is very slippery and has huge bumps too. Race car set up is critical if you want to be a top running car. We made some big front and rear suspension changes. We softened the car up to absorb the big bumps and let the tires bite into the track more. This seemed to work very well as we tested the car in practice. After 3 crew members worked on the car for an hour, we found the right setup. Last starting spot in the heat race, and we charged to the front in 4 laps. The car was good and we breezed through tech inspection. Onto the feature, where we started in 7th position. On the opening lap we went to the outside in turn #1. This turned out bad for us. The 24 car slid up the track and knocked our car sideways up into the marbles. From there all I could do was sit patiently as the car spun completely around at about 100 Km/hr. Having the back half of the field driving straight at the front of the car is not a comforting feeling. Once I opened my eyes, the race was restarted, with the apprenticesearch car in last place. This is not what we needed to have happen while we are trying to take over the points lead. I was surprisingly calm inside the car. We took the green flag and I drove it like I stole it. From last to first place in 8 laps. The car was incredible. I passed 2 cars on the front straight at the same time. We put in solid lap times until lap 25 when Ken "Lightening" Lillycrop #00 had contact and flipped upside down on the front straight. He slid forever on his roof. They red flagged the race and called it off at 25 laps. We won from the back. It was a huge accomplishment for our team. A funny note about the flip over. His # was still 00 even when he was upside down, and he slid upside down past the start/finish line to complete his last lap. Off to our home track, Flamboro Speedway. We need another win to keep the points lead.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Ontario, Canada's apprenticeship programs develop top talent

Ontario has one of the best educated workforces in the G7. The province's apprenticeship system plays a big role in its success at attracting investors and in helping businesses thrive in international markets. More than 62 per cent of Ontario workers have a post-secondary education – a higher percentage than in any other developed country.

A network of 20 universities and 24 colleges train students in every field, from the skilled trades to the most advanced areas of science, engineering and business. There are apprenticeship programs for more than 150 skilled trades in four sectors: construction, motive power, industrial and services, which build a well-educated and highly skilled workforce that companies can depend on in order to operate, innovate and succeed.

Ontario's Apprenticeship programs

Ontario's apprenticeship programs are part of the reason Ontario is on the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing industries, clean energy and clean technology, and more. The simple fact is that smart, highly skilled and talented employees make smart products.

Ontario's apprenticeship programs range from two to five years. Through the programs, students work under the supervision of a person in the industry. The programs incorporate on-the-job training with an in-school component provided at Ontario colleges.

As of summer 2012 more than 120,000 apprentices are learning a trade in Ontario. Annual enrolment is up 13,000 as students look to get on-the-job experience to enhance their skill sets. The benefits to investors are enormous, as businesses can find the right people for the job.

To read more click this link

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Some apprenticeships in Western Ontario

Job# 12066 CNC Programmer in Cambridge x 2 0yr apprentice
Job# 12072 Electrician in Waterloo x1 4th yr apprentice
Job# 12078 General Machinist in Cambridge x1 0yr apprentice
Job# 12085 Instrumentation & Control Tech in Hamilton x4 1st yr apprentice

For these apprenticeships and more goto www.apprenticesearch.com and login.

If you don't have an account you can create one for FREE here by supplying some basic information about yourself and uploading your resume. When approved you can search our database for apprenticeships across Ontario. If you are an employer wanting to post a FREE apprenticeship vacancy and have a profile login and create a job posting. If need to create a profile, and upload a job you can here If you already have an account and can't remeber your username and or password contact us at admin@apprenticesearch.com or phone 1.877.905.2748 x20

McGuinty Government Making Postsecondary Education More Affordable

Ontario is cutting the red tape and streamlining the application process for full-time college and university students seeking help from the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).This is including apprenticeships!

This year, the government has introduced OSAP Express, a streamlined application process for the over 300,000 OSAP applicants and recipients. OSAP Express:

- Requires a student to sign a loan agreement only once throughout their entire postsecondary studies.

- Speeds up the enrolment verification process and direct deposit options.

- Means no more lining up for hours, multiple times per semester of every year at financial aid offices.

In addition to a streamlined application process for OSAP, students will benefit from the new 30% Off Ontario Tuition grant. The grant helps keep the cost of postsecondary education affordable by offering refunds of $1,680 to students in university or college degree programs and $770 to students in college diploma and certificate programs.

Helping Ontario students with the cost of university, college or an apprenticeship is part of the McGuinty government's plan to keep postsecondary education within all families' reach, while building the best-educated workforce in the world. Click here for more information

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Safety: HIGH-VISIBILITY CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS

HIGH-VISIBILITY CLOTHING

The construction regulation (O. Reg. 213/91)requires that any worker who may be endangered by vehicular traffic on a project must wear a garment that provides a high level of visibility.
There are two distinct features to high-visibility clothing.

Background Material

This is the fabric from which the garment is made. It must be fluorescent orange or bright orange in colour and afford increased daytime visibility to the wearer. Fluorescent orange provides a higher level of daytime visibility and is recommended.....

To read on download a PDF version of this documnet click here

Monday, September 10, 2012

Some jobs in the Western region

Job# 11898 Truck & Trailer Service Technician in Guelph, 3rd year apprentice
Job# 12057 Plumber in Stoney Creek, 1st or 2nd year apprentice
Job# 12058 General Machinist in Cambridge, 2nd year apprentice
Job# 12053 Powered Lift Truck Technician in Stoney Creek 1st year apprentice
Job# 12052 Sheet Metal Worker in Hamilton, 2nd year apprentice

For access to these apprenticeships and more
go to www.apprenticesearch.com to register and apply.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Safety : Importance of WHMIS on the job site

WHMIS

Frequently construction trades are required to work with new hazardous materials or previously installed hazardous materials requiring repair, maintenance, or removal. Some materials used for many years and thought to be harmless are now known to be hazardous.

Proper handling requires careful planning, training, and use of personal protective equipment or controls.

Some hazardous materials common in construction are

– compressed gas (acetylene, nitrogen, oxygen)
– flammable and combustible materials (solvents)
– oxidizing materials (epoxy hardeners)
– solvents, coatings, and sealers
– asbestos and silica
– acids and alkalis.

Learn to identify potential hazards

To read more with illustrations download PDF here

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Some jobs in the Western region

Job# 12008 Automotive Service Technician 2nd yr in Hamilton
Job# 11985 Truck & Coach Technician 2nd yr in Baden
Job# 11983 Industrial Millwright Mechanic 0yr in Cambridge
Job# 11979 Powered Lift Truck Technician 0yr in Kitchener
Job# 12022 Automotive Service Technician 2nd yr in Stoney Creek
Job# 12023 Electrician (Construction & Maint) x25 1st yr in Kitchener
Job# 12026 Mould Maker 0yr in Stoney Creek
Job# 12029 Electrician (Construction & Maint) x2 4th yr in Binbrook
Job# 12034 Plumber x2 2nd yr in Hamilton
Job# 12035 Auto Body Repairer 1st yr in Hamilton
Job# 12038 Truck & Trailer Service Technician 4th yr in St.Agatha

To apply to these apprenticeships and more goto www.apprenticesearch.com and sign-in using your username and password or create a profile and upload your resume for free.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Check out our new video in our About Trades section of website. Watch them all with English & French Subs.

Check out our new video About Trades - Tool & Die Maker Apprentice. Just 1 in a series of new videos apprenticesearch.com has produced for you to view and hopefully learn from.


Our other videos and more can be found at
http://apprenticesearch.com/Resources/Video
or on our YouTube channel at
http://www.youtube.com/user/apprenticesearch.

 

Monday, September 3, 2012

Rain Out At Flamboro

Mother Nature won the race.  Our whole team was prepared and ready to win....  Need to wait until next time.  Off to Mosport our largest track.

Packed House at Varney

Every race we attend at Varney ends up being standing room only.  The place was jam packed.  It was also a driver introduction/fan appreciation night. It was extremely hot and our series was asked if we would run a 50 lap feature race.  The heat race was good, we finished 4th.  Our top 3 drivers all broke the track record.  Every car was setting lap times less then 14 seconds.  The track is high banked and very hard on the race cars.  Fan appreciation was cool, it was great to see return spectators from last year.  The feature was the fastest, craziest, spark flying race ever.  The cars were even faster once the sun went down.  The sparks from the bottom of the cars put on a good show for the fans.  The 50 lap feature went caution free.  Not a single driver made a mistake, everyone drove great.  We started last and worked our butts off to get up to 5th position.  The race was over before we knew it.  Hopefully next year they take my offer of a 75 lap feature.  That would also set a record for Pro Challenge.  Up next is our home track, Flamboro Speedway.