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Pathways to

Two Aboriginal skilled trades workers promote trades careers to their peers

While working in a factory in Midland, Ontario, Darryl Grenier often wondered if his next shift would be his

last.

“I’d be laid off, and then get called back. It happened over and over.”

Not only was his job a little less stable than he would have liked, it was just that: a job.

Grenier, an ambitious 39-year-old from Penetanguishene, wanted a career in which he could flex his entrepreneurial muscles while using his hands and his head.

He began researching, trying to find an in-demand industry that couldn’t pack up and move overseas. Grenier soon found what he was looking for.

“I went to school nights and weekends, did an apprenticeship, and earned a ticket in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems,” says Grenier.

Now, the Métis tradesperson owns his own business, and employs several technicians who are members of the Ontario College of Trades (the College).

“The Métis Nation of Ontario funded my training, and because of that I was able to start building my business,” says Grenier.

Currently, there are 113 self-identifying Aboriginal members of the College.

“It’s important that Aboriginal People, women, new Canadians, and anyone who is thinking about switching careers know about the opportunities that are out there,” says Pat Blackwood, the College’s Chair.

“There are important, well-paying skilled trades jobs throughout the province, and they’re just waiting to be filled,” he adds.

Jody Laurin, a Métis powerline technician from Tiny Township in the Georgian Bay region, agrees.

He says that Ontario’s indigenous communities are an ideal source of talent to potentially fill the projected shortage of skilled tradespeople that faces this province, and if he were to give advice to a young person on the fence as to pursue a career in the skilled trades or not, it would be this: just do it.

“Go after your dream,” says Laurin. “It’s a great feeling when you accomplish what you set out to do. It’s the best feeling in the world.”

He knows from experience, having participated in a joint Métis Nation-Georgian College program designed to boost the number of Aboriginal people working in the energy sector.

“In my job, I work with great people, I get to be outside, and every day is different. On top of that, I’m paid really well to do my job. I love going to work every day, and not many people get to say that.”

Anyone interested in a career in the skilled trades can check out earnwhileyoulearn.ca. Powerline technician, Jody Laurin. Photo by Kris Caetano

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To succeed in the Canadian military, one must possess a few key characteristics: drive, resourcefulness, and a can-do attitude.

Those same qualities are also crucial in the skilled trades.

That’s why the Ontario College of Trades (the College), the regulatory body mandated to promote and modernize the skilled trades, and Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) are eager to showcase the type of rewarding careers veterans, and those currently serving in the military, can have in the civilian skilled trades.

Through the College’s Trade Equivalency Assessment (TEA), military veterans – anyone who has served in the Canadian Forces – can gain access to a well-paying career in the civilian skilled trades.

The nine military trades that are equivalent to Ontario civilian trades are Marine Engineering Technician, Electrical Technician (formerly Marine Technician), Vehicle Technician, Material Technician, Refrigeration and Mechanical Technician, Electrical Distribution Technician, Plumbing and Heating Technician, Construction Technician, and Cook.

The TEA process assesses an individual’s qualifications and experience. If those qualifications meet all of the training requirements of an Ontario apprenticeship, a candidate can qualify to write his or her trade’s certification exam.

However, veterans trained in any of the nine military trades matched to a civilian trade, can apply to write the Certificate of Qualification exam.

Current members of the Canadian Forces in any of the nine trades are also exempt from the assessment component, and eligible for a reduced assessment fee.

“It’s important for the College to support Canadian men and women in our Armed Forces. That’s why the College’s TEA streamlines not only veterans’ applications for certification, but the applications of anyone currently serving and looking for civilian certification,” says Pat Blackwood, the College’s Chair.

“We’re here to support and help military members and veterans any way we can, and that starts with eliminating the wait to get started in a career in the skilled trades.”

For those in the military who would like a career in the skilled trades but have not

College helps military vets find

new careersPhoto courtesy of Helmets to Hardhats.

“When I got out of the military, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. I got out and

got into a trade with the boilermakers – my life

has changed incredibly.” - Ted Collins

been trained in one of nine matched military trades, there are over 150 skilled trades in Ontario in which they can apprentice.

Corporal Ted Collins C.D. (Ret’d) did just that.

Collins is a 13-year military veteran who travelled all over Canada throughout his career in the service, including stints in Winnipeg after the 1997 Red River floods, and Quebec during the ice storm in 1998. He also completed tours in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Afghanistan.

After nearly fifteen years in uniform, however, it was time for a change. A vehicle technician in the army, Collins decided a different skilled trades career might be a good fit for the next phase of his life.

With the help of H2H, Collins joined Boilermaker Lodge 128 in Burlington, and started his apprenticeship.

“When I got out of the military, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. I got out and got into a trade with the boilermakers – my life has changed incredibly,” he says.

In only three years of training in safety, rigging, fitting and welding at

refineries across Ontario, he received his boilermaker certification, and is currently working for Ontario Power Generation (OPG).

“Former military professionals can prove to be an ideal talent pool for our current and future labour shortage in the trades. Military professionals have many transferable skills that make them an

H2H Director Gregory C. P. Matte (left) with boilermaker and former military personnel, Ted Collins.

ideal fit for trades positions,” says OPG Recruitment Manager, Paul Villeneuve.

“A week after I left the Forces I was a boilermaker apprentice. I’ve been able to work all over the province, and I look forward to continuing my travels and developing new trade skills. I’m grateful to the Helmets to Hardhats program, and feel very grateful to have a thriving skilled trades career,” says Collins.

H2H Director Gregory C. P. Matte is proud of his organization’s partnership with the College, and says that “the College is the place to start” for veterans looking to leverage the skills they learned during their military service into a career in the skilled trades.

“Helmets to Hardhats and the College of Trades share the same goal: getting vets to work in the skilled trades. I encourage any past or present members of the Canadian Forces looking to start a career in the skilled trades in Ontario to contact the College.”

For more information on transitioning into the skilled trades, visit collegeoftrades.ca/veterans.

Check out our new Veterans and Skilled Trades video

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Some people learn best by opening a book and reading about how things work, or sitting in a classroom and absorbing an instructor’s lecture. Others don’t. For those who embrace a more hands-on learning style, an apprenticeship in a skilled trade is the way to go.

That’s where PACT Urban Peace Program comes in.

PACT (participation, acknowledgment, commitment and transformation) is a Canadian charity dedicated to working with underprivileged and at-risk youth, and it is on the forefront of hands-on or “experiential” learning.

Since 2005, PACT life and job skills projects have been using experiential learning to provide at-risk youth with opportunities to gain valuable real-world experience for their resumés and build self-esteem through hands-on experience in a variety of programs hosted around the GTA.

PACT began with the PACTCooking program, and soon expanded to offer a variety of other programs, including PACTBuild, as well as wall-finishing and painting programs that started in 2009.

Ben Marshall, Director of Program Development at PACT, says that the projects are powered by volunteers and independent contractors with experience working with youth.

“They impart real-world knowledge and connect youth to these industries and their own networks.”

With some basic skills under their belts, young people are often eager to move on to bigger projects, and the PACTBuild program acts as a gateway to some of those opportunities.

With all of the amazing work they do, PACT’s programs rely on a lot of support from partners in the community to make it happen. Along with volunteers, industry experts and sponsors are involved in the program’s success.

PACT’s major supporters include the Rotary Clubs of Toronto and Mississauga, the Home Depot Foundation, Toronto District School Board, Mattamy Homes, and Dunpar Homes.

Programs like PACTBuild or PACTCooking are a crucial part of getting more youth into the trades.

“Many youth are referred to our different projects by teachers, youth workers and guidance counsellors in order to gain valuable skills and complete required volunteer hours,” says Marshall.

While PACT isn’t directly connected with the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, they are currently working with several schools to establish co-op placements related to some of the existing projects such as PACTCooking, Grow to Learn gardening and PACTFashion.

Connie Garcia, a volunteer with the organization and journeyperson member of the Ontario College of Trades wants to expand PACT’s programs to look at ways of bridging the programs with apprenticeships. As a hairstylist, she recognizes how experiential learning has boosted her confidence, and sees apprenticeship as an obvious next step for many of the youth going through PACT’s programs.

“These programs help individuals at risk by providing the support to maintain an inclusive environment.”

She agrees that as labour needs evolve, more youth today are heading into non-traditional post-secondary education, like the skilled trades, to eventually fill those needed roles.

“Being a tradesperson myself,” adds Garcia, “I never have to worry about job security because I have a skill that I can take anywhere. And we need to pass this message along to today’s young innovators.” The hope is that they can attract more employers willing to hire youth out of their programs.

Marshall’s advice to young people interested in the skilled trades: “take advantage of free accessible and quality programs offered by PACT, obtain leadership skills and valuable real world experience for your resume, and leverage youth employment agencies such as YES [Youth Employment Services] in order to secure employment.”

To learn more about PACT and how to get involved, visit pactprogram.ca.

GTA charity empowers at-risk youth through the skilled trades

Making an

iM-PACT

“We are here to empower the youth who are a part of our community,” says Garcia.

“To give kids such an opportunity, and simply for the love of building things, this is why I do what I do.”

Rich Siebert, PACTBuild instructor

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bossTips for starting your own business

Be your

Darryl Grenier, owner of DLZ Heating and Cooling

Photo by Kris Caetano

Ontario’s skilled trades industry is steeped in opportunity. But you don’t necessarily have to work for a big company

to enjoy a long and meaningful career. In fact, a skilled trades background lends itself to entrepreneurialism more than many other industries.

Whether it’s the customer service industry or the manufacturing industry, the employment landscape today is a very different one than it was even a decade ago.

But anyone who experienced the aftermath of the 2013 ice storm, or has had to contend with a backed-up toilet knows that there are some jobs that cannot be readily outsourced. In other words, there will always be a market for skilled workers, and if you hold a Certificate of Qualification, all you need is a set of tools to get your business off the ground.

One of the great things about being your own boss is that you can decide who you want to hire to help you grow your business.

If you’re a certified journeyperson, you can take on an apprentice (depending on the journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio set out for your trade). You can train him or her to College standards, and demonstrate the work-ethic and professionalism that you expect.

Also, taking on an apprentice offers you an opportunity to give back to your trade by strengthening your industry and helping create the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

If you’re an experienced skilled tradesperson, you are an expert in your industry. Throughout your career, you’ve undoubtedly developed significant insight into not only what is needed to get a job done, but also the level of quality that your industry requires.

With that type of background, there is a potentially huge customer base that will be in demand of your knowledge and expertise.

Hilary Noack, owner of Ink & Iron auto body shop

“Creating your own business is more than knowing how to fix cars. Teamwork, leadership, morale…these are the things that take your business to the next level.” Ahmed El-Ashi, Canadian Navy reservist, Ontario College of Trades-certified journeyperson and owner of Global Auto Collision Inc. in Burlington.

“There’s significant demand for skilled trade work right now. With the right training and hard work and a little bit of luck, you can launch a successful business.” Darryl Grenier, Métis tradesperson and owner DLZ Heating and Cooling, a business that employs several technicians who are members of the College.

“I’ve always loved cars and I’ve always wanted to work for myself. When you open your own business you really have the chance to create something that is a reflection of you.” Hilary Noack, owner of Ink & Iron, a Mississauga auto body shop run entirely by women.

If you’re thinking about starting your own business, here are some words of advice from those already in the industry:

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Skilled trades training can start as early as high school, with an apprenticeship through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), which offers cooperative education credits for work experience in an apprenticeship occupation.

“At no other time does the young person have as much support to help them connect to an employer in the trades. While a student is still in high school they have the support of the co-op teacher, guidance department and OYAP Coordinator who help to make employer connections, facilitate a cooperative education placement and streamline the apprenticeship registration process,” says Sarah Kekewich, the OYAP Coordinator at Simcoe County District School Board.

Funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, OYAP is one of the provincial government’s key programs that addresses the current and future demands of skilled labour.

Main functions of OYAP are:

• To market and promote the skilled trades to students, parents, teachers, and employers. This is done through a huge variety of marketing, communications and special events such as workplace field trips, presentations, trades fairs, skills competitions, parent sessions, employer presentations, and teacher professional development.

• To connect high school students to employers through cooperative education that can lead to a Registered Training Agreement and ultimately a head start in an apprenticeship.

• To build community partnerships that increase opportunities for high school students to explore careers in the trades.

“Employers are looking for the right individual who demonstrates employability skills and attributes that are consistent with their company values. An employer needs time to evaluate the individual and determine if that person is someone they wish to invest in and train through an apprenticeship,” adds Kekewich.

All students participating in OYAP must:

• Be at least 16 years old;

• Have completed 16 credits towards their high school diploma prior to starting an OYAP program;

• Be enrolled as a full time student during the program;

• Be working towards completing their high school diploma.

For more information and to explore over 150 trades offered to high school students, visit oyap.ca.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

For more information and to explore over 150 trades offered to high school students, visit oyap.ca.

Photo by Christopher Lawson

A Red Seal Endorsement is now available for the trade of drywall finisher and plasterer (453A). Anyone wishing to obtain a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) in this trade will have to successfully pass the new Interprovincial Red Seal exam.

Those who successfully pass the exam and meet all membership fee requirements will be granted a C of Q with a Red Seal Endorsement that is recognized in all participating provinces and territories in Canada. Upon writing and passing the Certificate of Qualification exam, apprentices will also be eligible for the Apprenticeship Completion Grant.

Anyone with an approved Trade Equivalency Assessment application wishing to obtain a C of Q in the drywall finisher and plasterer trade must write and pass the new Interprovincial Red Seal exam to be registered in the College’s Journeypersons Class and be issued a C of Q with a Red Seal Endorsement.

Anyone with a provincial C of Q in Ontario who is interested in obtaining a Red Seal Endorsement must write and pass the new Interprovincial Red Seal exam.

A new provincial Certification of Qualification (C of Q) exam for the trade of institutional cook (415D) is now available. Anyone wishing to obtain a C of Q in this trade, including individuals with an approved Trade Equivalency Assessment application, will be required to successfully pass the new exam and meet all membership fee requirements to be registered in the College’s Journeypersons Class and issued a C of Q.

Apprentices who receive their Certificate of Apprenticeship must pass the C of Q exam in order to receive the Apprenticeship Completion Bonus in non-Red Seal Trades.

Note: Both the institutional cook and the drywall finisher and plasterer trade are classified as voluntary, therefore holding and maintaining a valid C of Q is not legally required, but continued membership in the College’s Journeypersons Class, along with paying the annual membership fee is required to keep your C of Q valid.

For more information, visit collegeoftrades.ca, or contact the College’s Client Services Department toll free at 1-855-299-0028.

New Red Seal Endorsement for Drywall Finisher and Plasterers

Certification Exam Available for Institutional Cooks

By hiring an apprentice, employers become eligible for numerous different tax credits, grants, and bonuses. Some of these include the Apprentice Job Creation Tax Credit, the Canada-Ontario Job Grant, and the Apprenticeship Completion Employer Bonus.

By training an apprentice to the Ontario College of Trades’ training standards and best practices, you are ensuring they are a good fit for your company’s needs and culture. This means they are not only learning the necessary skills of the trade, but also those specialized skills that are unique to your shop or business.

As an employer, you have access to the best employees who will benefit your business. Local colleges, high schools and training programs can help you track down the best talent and match you with the most qualified candidate to be your apprentice.

Apprenticeship programs help create some of the most loyal employees. No one likes hiring someone that isn’t going to stick around. A 2010 report published by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, titled ‘The challenge of finding an employer-sponsor’ shows that apprentices felt more loyalty to employers who supported and eventually hired them.

To create or maintain a successful business, it is important to not only think of the workers you need right now, but your future needs as well. An apprenticeship program allows employers to have an experienced workforce that is well rounded and secure.

Top reasons employers should consider hiring an apprentice

1. The financial benefits

2. Your business, your training

3. Hire the best

5. Build a loyal workforce

4. Prepare for the future

For more information about apprenticeship benefits and programs, visit collegeoftrades.ca.