Training : Apprenticeship Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is hands-on training for people who enjoy learning by doing. The training provides access to well-paying jobs that demand a high level of skill, judgement, and creativity. Apprentices are paid while gaining work experience, and their wages increase with their level of skill.
About 90% of apprenticeship training is provided in the workplace by employers. The remainder involves classroom instruction and theory that is provided at the Construction Craft Worker Regional T raining Centre Southwestern Region (CCWRTC) at 56 Firestone Boulevard, London, Ontario.
To become an apprentice most people have to go through one of the pre-apprenticeship program which are offered at the CCWRTC. (See link for more information) Under special circumstances, sometimes an experienced worker is brought directly into the apprenticeship program without first going through the pre-apprenticeship program.
If you are interested in becoming an apprentice please fill out the on line application form. (link) or for inquiries call 519 455-8083 and ask for the Training Secretary.
Who sponsors and pays for apprenticeship programs?
Apprentices are contracted to a Local Apprenticeship Committee that has representatives from both management and labour on it. This committee makes recommendations as to where an apprentice is placed and whether an apprentice has met all of the requirements. Apprentices are also registered with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). MTCU decides when an apprentice will go to school and they fund the cost of the school. As long as apprentices have worked enough hours to be Employment Insurance eligible, they will receive EI for the in-school training. In all trades apprentices are expected to pay $400 for each in-school training period, however, the Training Trust Fund pays this fee on behalf of all apprentices who are members of LIUNA Local 1059.
How long does an apprenticeship program take?
Apprenticeship programs take two to three years to complete as long as the apprentice is steadily employed and successfully completes the in-school and has the apprenticeship log book completely filled out.
How does an apprentice benefit from participation in a labour-management sponsored apprenticeship program?
Labour-management programs provide benefits like pensions, health coverage, vacation funds, etc., through union membership. Apprentices are paid on an increasing wage scale during their apprenticeship, and do not have to pay for the costs of their education. According to some sources, each apprentice receives an education benefit worth $40,000-$150,000. The most important benefit of an apprenticeship, however, is the skills that an apprentice possesses upon completion of his or her apprenticeship. On the job site they receive hands on training under the mentorship of a certified journeyperson. In the classroom they receive free of cost, an education that provides them with the technical theory and applied skills, that in many cases can be counted as college credit.
How many apprentices are trained annually?
In 2003, this local had approximately 100 apprentices.
What is unique about labour-management sponsored apprenticeship programs?
Apprentices in labour-management sponsored programs are taking part in employee/employer run programs. Both the contractor and the union invest in the apprenticeship program together. The programs are free to would be apprentices. Our apprentices also receive safety training.. Many private employer-run non-union apprenticeship programs do not mandate safety training for their apprentices.
What are the qualifications of our apprenticeship instructors?
Instructors generally have many years of experience as journeypersons in the construction industry. All instructors are government certified tradespersons and/or college and university graduates. Instructors are evaluated and get training opportunities to improve their teaching skills.
Who ensures that apprentices learn when they are working on construction sites?
There is a full time Apprenticeship Coordinator who ensures that the mentoring process is employed on the construction job sites so the apprentices safely learn the necessary skills of his or her craft under the supervision of experienced journeypersons.
