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Following the release of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and the McDonald Report, there has been a shift towards a demand-driven trades training system. This calls for the creation of opportunities in the system where all involved can develop new innovative training practices to better meet the incoming demand for skilled labour across BC. An example of one such initiative is currently underway in Bella Coola.

TALK.TRADES

C E O M E S S A G E

Driving innovation in the tradesAs the Industry Training Authority (ITA) continues to chart the course towards a world class apprenticeship system, driving innovation in the trades has taken center stage to ensure that tradespeople have the skills and training they need to meet the demands of the 21st century.

As co-host of the first Skilled Trades Innovation Forum with the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training (JTST), we set out to explore a series of topics with our stakeholders in the trades training system, including, but not exclusive to, trades training partnerships, mentorship and succession planning, and innovative means to bring trades training to apprentices.

There’s no better way to raise awareness about the skilled trades and increase the availability of training resources than through partnerships—between training providers, industry, and school districts. In addition, through innovative means such as mobile training units, training opportunities can be made even more accessible to people interested in the skilled trades. But how does industry gain and retain the tradespeople required? Through the implementation of forward-thinking programs that address mentorship and succession planning, we can keep apprentices on-track, and journeypersons motivated to continuously develop their skills.

We are very excited to implement key insights and provide resources derived from our first Skilled Trades Innovation Forum to help both apprentices and employers better navigate and succeed in the world of skilled trades across our province. | Gary Herman, Chief Executive Officer

S P O T L I G H T

Regional access: Using innovation to bring training to apprentices

IN THIS ISSUE

VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 2

Summer/Fall 2015

Bella Coola’s Nuxalk Nation identified a challenge common to remote regions in BC—limited access to skilled trades training. It was clear that there was a need for a training model that would support new apprentices entering trades and increase the training capacity for the existing Red Seal journeypeople in the community.

To address this need, the Nuxalk Nation, ITA, and Camosun College School of Trades and Technology partnered to develop an innovative four-year Carpentry Technical Training program for Aboriginal People that will break down barriers to accessing trades training, and help build the skilled labour workforce for the region.

“Camosun College School of Trades and Technology is proud to collaborate in order to help bring this unique training program to Bella Coola,” says Olaf Nielsen, Chair, Trades Development and Special Projects at Camosun College. “We have been very moved and motivated by the impact on the community in terms of personal achievement of the new apprentices, the capacity being built, and the legacy created.”

On June 8, 2015, first year apprentices celebrated their Level 1 completion with the community, and are currently on track to complete Level 2 in April 2016.

Employer Profile

Youth Initiatives

Inaugural Trades Forum

WorkBC.ca Cost of Living Calculator

North Island Hospitals Project

ITA at Work

OPSN Updates

WITT Initiatives

Aboriginal Initiatives

Empowering Red Seal Holders

ITT Initiatives

Recognizing BC’s Employer Sponsors

The Sign Off Authority (SOA) Form

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E M P L O Y E R P R O F I L E

Forward-thinking employers leverage a sustainable apprenticeship model to drive business success

Local teens receive revved up skilled trades training through ITA and Canadian Tire

Based in Vanderhoof BC, Nechako Mechanical of the BID Group is one of the largest fabrication facilities in the province, specializing in welding, fabricating, machining and millwrighting. Their apprenticeship model, grounded in accountability, respect and support, is credited with their successful and sustainable workforce.

With a total of 59 employees on-board and working hard, Nechako Mechanical’s success as a company comes down to a strategic understanding of the value of investing in their employees, particularly the 24 apprentices currently sponsored by the company.

At Nechako, the onus is put on the apprentices to succeed in their careers. “We provide the opportunities, and it is up to the apprentices to

make the most of them,” says John Simoes, Manufacturing Manager, Nechako Mechanical, who serves as a mentor for all the apprentices, in addition to his five sons, who just so happen to work in the shop as well. “All apprentices are treated with respect, and are expected to have a maturity level no less than what the team would expect from a

veteran of the industry.”

Residents of Vanderhoof and the surrounding communities are very familiar with the positive working environment and numerous opportunities that Nechako provides its employees. The company’s reputation has attracted a countless number of apprentices, including Kane Kelly, an apprentice who

quickly climbed the ranks within the BID Group.

During secondary school, Kane joined Nechako as a shop helper. Thanks to the company’s innovative apprenticeship model, Kane was able to achieve certification in two Red Seal trades (Machinist and Metal Fabricator), his Masters of Business Administration (MBA), quickly progressing to VP Operations.

With such an effective apprenticeship model in place, it is no surprise that Nechako Mechanical has produced the highest number of successful apprentices of the BID Group, which encompasses nine other companies across Canada and the US.

Find out more about what it means to be an employer sponsor.

From left to right: Gwyn Morgan, Board Chair, ITA; David Fehr, President, BID Group of Companies; John Simoes, Manufacturing Manager, Nechako Mechanical; Gary Herman, CEO, ITA.

Y O U T H I N I T I AT I V E S

From left to right: Vern Magee, Canadian Tire; Ryan Bishop, Service Manager, Canadian Tire West Kelowna; Bob Boback, School District 23; and Finbar O’Sullivan, Apprenticeship Advisor, ITA.

Seven percent of all apprentices in the BC trades training system are registered in automotive sector-related trades, an industry characterized by increasing complexity and rapid changes in technology. In order to keep up with the demand, ITA and Canadian Tire have partnered up and pooled resources.

ITA recently announced an innovative collaboration with Canadian Tire with the goal to increase knowledge and awareness among BC secondary school students about skilled trades career opportunities in the automotive industry. The Corporation’s BC Service Managers will work with school

districts to provide tours of service centres, speak at career sessions and automotive courses, and participate in informational interviews for students to gain work experience and Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA) placements.

“This has been a great opportunity for me to get some real hands on experience,” explains Connor James, an apprentice currently completing a work placement at Canadian Tire Kelowna. “Canadian Tire has been very supportive and has provided an excellent workplace to facilitate learning and career growth.”

In collaboration with Service Managers and school districts, ITA’s Youth programs team and community-based Apprenticeship Advisors will deliver information on ITA Youth programs, share the advantages of a career in the skilled trades and connect youth with the support they need.

“It is so important for secondary students to be made aware of the career

opportunities available within the skilled trades,” says Finbar O’Sullivan, ITA’s Kelowna-based Apprenticeship Advisor. “Canadian Tire’s partnership with ITA will raise awareness among youth, and most importantly, will help create the connections necessary to get their careers started.”

Find out more about ITA’s Youth programs, and what it takes to get a head start in the skilled trades.

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Employability to Levering Technology to Improve Apprenticeship Experience, forum attendees had the opportunity to network and exchange learnings and ideas discussed throughout the day.

Through information gathered, a direct outcome of this year’s event will be to publish a best practices guide in the fall of 2015. This guide will help bolster the implementation of innovative new training practices and pilot projects across the province.

I N T H E N E W S

Inaugural trades forum sparks innovative thinking to build BC’s skilled tradesThe first ever Skilled Trades Innovation Forum took place on June 2nd in Vancouver with the goal to unite the skilled trades community to support BC’s in-demand apprenticeship opportunities. The forum is a direct result of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and the government’s commitment to re-engineering trades training so every British Columbian can find their fit.

The 21st century technological revolution is changing the playing field of today’s trades, and with it, the training and skills tradespeople need to have to meet the demand. ITA set out to explore this topic at the province’s first Skilled Trades Innovation Forum where over 400 tradespeople, apprentices, employers and training providers put their thinking caps on to create new ideas to build BC’s skilled trades.

Keynote speaker Jason Dorsey, Chief Strategy Officer at the Center for Generational Kinetics, set the tone for the day’s events, speaking humorously about generational differences. Over lunch, the Forum hosted an apprentice panel, moderated by Jas Johal, the Director of Communications at the BC LNG Alliance. In between working sessions with topics ranging from Essential Skills and

North Island Hospitals Project: Leading the way in community participation in skilled tradesThe North Island Hospitals Project in Campbell River and Comox Valley is leading the way in community participation in skilled trades. Doug Podetz, ITA’s North Island Apprenticeship Advisor, has been working closely with the project’s board members and the Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP) to leverage ITA resources to ensure community involvement.

Every year, as part of ITA’s YES 2 IT program, seventh grade students in North Island are invited to simulated labs where they are exposed to the types of trades that would typically be needed on hospital construction sites. Secondary school students become involved with the North Island Hospitals Project through the ACE IT and SSA programs.

Local apprentice sponsorships are also being encouraged through collaboration with hospital site sub-contractors and Graham Construction & Engineering Inc. Currently, on both sites combined, nearly 20 percent of the crew are apprentices in various trades, such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical.

Integrative community involvement such as this is a step in the right direction to achieve the goals set out in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint, providing an excellent opportunity for youth to get a head start in the trades by proactively exposing them to some of the jobs in-demand across our province.

WorkBC.ca Cost of Living Calculator WorkBC.ca features a number of unique tools to help British Columbians explore careers, understand the labour market, and navigate the world of work in BC.

If you are looking for guidance on where to live, train or work in British Columbia, use WorkBC’s Cost of Living Calculator to help find the right BC community for you. The Calculator lets you compare the cost of living in over 150 communities across the province in a few easy steps:

Pick the dropdown menu or interactive map to select a region, community and occupation.

Use the Calculator’s occupation salary or enter your actual income.

Add your expenses to check the balance between your income and the cost of living.

Then compare your results with another community.

If you’re looking for skilled trades training as well, combine the Cost of Living Calculator with the BC Trades Training Seat Finder to help you investigate where to apply. If you’re already an apprentice, use the Calculator along with Apprentice Job Match to explore communities and find an accredited employer to help you complete your apprenticeship.

Find out how WorkBC.ca can help you get your career started.

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Minister Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, addresses a full house at the Skilled Trades Innovation Forum.

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knowledge and awareness of the BC apprenticeship system, and providing guidance to apprentices and employer sponsors.

Shannon Hanson brings over 15 years of experience as a case manager and employment counselor to her role as the Apprenticeship Advisor for the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Whistler and Pemberton. As a Certified Career Development Practitioner, Shannon previously worked as a job coach and labour market agreement coordinator with the Musqueam Indian Band.

Christine Klar brings an extensive knowledge of career development, community engagement and partnership building to her role as Apprenticeship Advisor for Vancouver, Richmond and South Delta, having most recently worked with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation as the mentor manager for Western Canada, and as a co-op advisor at Capilano University.

Learn more about the Apprenticeship Advisor in your region.

ITA training investment province-wideNearly $72M will be allocated to training providers in regions across the province. In addition, a $3.5M Labour Market Demand Fund has been established to address emerging needs and innovative partnerships in BC’s skilled trades training system. These funds will provide support to priorities such as apprenticeship completion, in-demand trades programs, ACE IT programs, innovative programs, waitlist reduction, and trades training actions from B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint.

Find out more about training investment province-wide.

First Sector Advisory Group meetingEleven Sector Advisor Groups were established throughout BC in 2014 to increase industry participation in the planning and decision making process for ITA and the government.

On June 1st, ITA successfully launched its annual all-Sector Advisor Group meeting at the Vancouver Convention Centre in the heart of downtown Vancouver. The meeting was held in conjunction with ITA’s inaugural Skilled Trades Innovation Forum.

The event marked the first time all 11 Sector Advisor Groups were brought together and given the opportunity to provide feedback on high-level policy issues relating to skilled trades training in BC. The Sector Advisor Groups were established to increase industry participation in the planning and decision making process for ITA and government, and in response to B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint.

Apprenticeship Advisor Open Houses in North Vancouver and RichmondThe trades training communities in North Vancouver and Richmond gathered at two separate Open Houses in June to welcome Shannon Hanson and Christine Klar, two of ITA's Apprenticeship Advisors. Their responsibilities include building

OPSN UpdatesITA recently issued these Official Program Standards Notifications (OPSNs) covering BC trades training. Changes specified in these OPSNs should be read in conjunction with individual program profiles.

Changes were made to the following programs:

• Boilermaker: Launch date of Level Exam for Level 2 delayed until further notice.

• Construction Electrician: Launch date of Level Exams for Level 1, 2 & 3 delayed until further notice.

• Machinist: Revised Program Outline.

• Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic, Wall and Ceiling Installer): Instructors are expected to follow the Assessment Guidelines

ITA has been hard at work to create a world class apprenticeship system for British Columbians since the launch of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint and the release of recommendations in the McDonald Report. Here are just a few of the many actions ITA has delivered on to help ensure all supports are in place to advance apprenticeship completion across the province.

I TA AT W O R K

Helping build the trades that build BC

Grading Sheet: Subject Competencies and Weightings tables to calculate the final in-school percentage score for each apprentice.

• Construction Electrician: New Canadian Electrical Code released and work is currently underway on new Interprovincial Red Seal exams.

• Welder: To progress from Welder Foundation to Welder B Modular the 1,000 work-based training hours are recommended rather than required.

• Steamfitter Pipefitter: Launch of Level Exams for Level 1, 2, & 3.

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Build your way to success, the WITT wayITA’s Women in Trades Training (WITT) initiative connects women of all backgrounds with funded training opportunities across BC, helping them overcome barriers to entering the trades. Since it was first introduced in 2008, over 3,000 women have been served through WITT programs, including Janine Magson, who has an inspiring story to tell.

Janine Magson has always been pretty crafty. Ever since she was a little girl, she loved to make things—and now, thanks to the WITT program along with hard work and determination, Janine is a Red Seal certified Joiner/Cabinetmaker on her way

W I T T I N I T I AT I V E S

A B O R I G I N A L I N I T I AT I V E S

Regional consultations yield strong insights into Enhanced Construction Craft Worker program developmentThe Enhanced Construction Craft Worker (E-CCW) program is a training and employment program to support Aboriginal People to enter and succeed in the Construction Craft Worker (CCW) trade, the recognized designation of trained and certified construction labourers.

The development of the E-CCW program will be an integral step to leverage our province’s LNG-related and construction project employment opportunities, and provide training that integrates essential skills and cross-cultural components.

The E-CCW project steering committee conducted extensive multifaceted primary and secondary research including interviews,

community dialogues, focus groups and surveys to develop the E-CCW program delivery model. The research also identified key models for consideration across Canada and featured the investigation of a model used in Australia with LNG companies and Indigenous People.

In total, over 700 stakeholders participated in these research engagement activities—including representatives from Aboriginal communities, employers, industry and labour associations, employment service agencies, training providers, apprentices, and government—through which ITA was able to gain insight on industry needs and labour demands, training best practices and partnership opportunities, and leading-edge program content. Two pilots have been selected for this program and will begin October 2015.

Find out more about the E-CCW program delivery model and other Aboriginal in Trades Training initiatives.

Empowering Red Seal holders with the RSE acronymCalling all skilled journeypersons! You will be pleased to know that the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA) recently announced the official recognition of the RSE (Red Seal Endorsement) acronym, lending way to immediate recognition of the program as the Canadian standard of excellence for the skilled trades.

Find out more about the new RSE Acronym, and how this will raise the profile of journeypersons everywhere.

to acquiring a Provincial Instructors Diploma with one overarching goal: to inspire other women to follow suit, the WITT way.

Fifteen years ago, Janine started her journey into the trades, and has not looked back since—but it has not come without its ups and downs. “As a women in the trades, there are a lot of obstacles to overcome,” says Janine. “And being a mother has its own set of challenges when you’re trying to attend school and acquire work-based training hours.”

That’s why Janine is so thankful for and supportive of ITA’s innovative initiatives to help women overcome these obstacles to employment. In fact, Janine is currently employed as an Instructor at Tradeworks Training Society, a non-profit organization

that provides carpentry training for women and youth with multiple barriers to employment, which is funded by ITA.

“One day, I would like to have my own apprentices who can appreciate the fine details and artistry of woodworking,” says

Janine. “Ultimately, I want to pass on my knowledge as an instructor and most importantly, inspire others—the opportunities are endless.”

Find out more about how Women in Trades Training can help you get your career in the trades started.

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I T T I N I T I AT I V E S

ITA’s Immigrants in Trades Training initiative gives an immigrant the chance at success

ITA’s Immigrants in Trades Training (ITT) initiative is designed to help immigrants overcome specific financial, cultural and other challenges to establishing a trades career. Thanks to this initiative, Kashmir Hundal from Punjab, India, is on a successful career track with a bright future.

After arriving in Canada in 2008, Kashmir continued his trades career working as an Electrical Helper for his uncle, who owns OJ Electric Ltd. “I was originally introduced to the electrical trade back in India and worked for three years in this industry before moving to Canada,” explains Kashmir. “The opportunity to move to Canada was too great to pass up, not only for the lifestyle, but for the many opportunities for career advancement.”

Once in Canada, Kashmir came to the Immigrant Trades Training Initiative (ITT) program at DIVERSEcity, and attained the funding he required for the Red Seal Refresher course at the Blue Star Learning Centre. He passed the exam with flying colours upon his first attempt. Now working for Allwest Electric, Kashmir has gainfully achieved his Red Seal certification as a Journeyman Electrician, and has big dreams of what he wants to do with it.

Learn more about how Immigrants in Trades Training can help you.

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Trades Talk strives to report on the issues and challenges that matter to you. We want to hear your solutions, best practices and success stories. We would also appreciate your feedback on Trades Talk and any suggestions you have.

Email your comments to tradestalk@itabc.ca.

HAVEYOUR SAY

The Sign Off Authority (SOA) form no longer requires notarizationSkilled trades employers: helping your apprentice reach certification just got easier. It is no longer a requirement to get your Sign Off Authority (SOA) form notarized! If your application is approved, you’ll be authorized to supervise apprentice training on-the-job. Find out how to apply today.

Recognizing BC’s employer sponsorsCertificates of Recognition are presented to employers who make a difference in BC by sponsoring apprentices, helping to guarantee skilled, prepared workers to meet labour demands.

Take a look at some of the employer sponsors making a difference in your community.

You too can show off being an employer sponsor by displaying the “Proud Employer” icon at your office or on your website. Order a decal or download the web version.

Certificate of Recognition presentation at Technicon Industries. Left to right: Ryan Gillam, Estimator, Technicon Industries; Andrew Contumelias, Owner, Technicon Industries; and Gary Herman, CEO, ITA.

Certificate of Recognition presentation at Terrace Totem Ford Sales Ltd. Left to right: Gary Herman, CEO, ITA; Troy Sallenback, Service Manager, Terrace Totem Ford Sales Ltd; and apprentice.

ITA CEO Gary Herman presents a Certificate of Recognition to Kory McKay, Branch Manager, United Rentals Terrace and team.

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