A new program called Tomorrow’s Trades, based out of the Carpenters Union at 8560 Campeau Drive, is a workforce development pilot program associated with the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario. The program is funded by both the Ontario provincial and the federal governments.
Tomorrow’s Trades is looking locally to recruit and prepare candidates that are traditionally underrepresented for application to apprenticeships and careers in the skilled trades. The program presents a unique and clear pathway for motivated individuals to develop their construction sector skills that are fundamental to becoming a high-quality apprentice and journeyperson in the industry.
The program provides participants the opportunity to directly explore various construction trades through hands-on learning experiences at local trades training centres, under the supervision of tradespeople and a Tomorrow’s Trades mentor.
Here are the program highlights:
- Begins September 7 or September 13 and runs for 12 weeks (2 groups)
- Rotational visits through several local training centres for exploration of apprenticeable trades including: general carpentry, construction craft worker, plumber, welder, sheet metal worker, roofer, steam fitter, glass and metal technician, electrician, drywall finisher, heavy equipment operator, and more!
- All personal protective is equipment provided for participants to be job ready
- Industrusty recognized/required training and certifications are included
- Weekly financial support to offset personal costs ($225/wk)
- Workplace readiness learning – resume, interview skills, math, difficult conversations, financial literacy, etc.
- Support preparing for union application at the end of the program
- Tool kit for their chosen trade provided
By showing participants what is available locally through experiential training seminars at the trades training centres and site visits, the program allows participants’ efforts to guide them into a rewarding construction trades career of their choice. Throughout the training experience and upon program completion, a Tomorrow’s Trades mentor uses their construction industry knowledge and experience to provide support and information to program participants as they explore construction trade apprenticeship opportunities.
Tomorrow’s Trades is an equal opportunity program and accepts applications from all individuals interested in pursuing or exploring the construction skilled trades. The program encourages candidates that are traditionally underrepresented in the skilled trades, including: women, indigenous youth, black youth, persons with disabilities, newcomers, at-risk youth, returning veterans, reservists, cadets, and those from racialized communities to apply.
In addition to the training centre experiences, candidates will gain certification in a wide range of Health and Safety training enhancing their confidence and competency on the job. This provides entry-level knowledge often expected of those who are about to begin their career as a new apprentice in their desired trade.
All participants who have been selected for the Tomorrow’s Trades program will be provided the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to perform their duties safely, and upon program completion candidates will be given the added benefit of a starter toolset that is specific to the trade they start their apprenticeship. Furthermore, individuals enrolled in the program will be provided a daily stipend and have access to travel allowance distributed on a weekly basis.
The Tomorrow’s Trades program provides a space for motivated individuals, training centres and local employers to unite and engage in a dynamic manner that builds a strong foundation of fundamental knowledge and skill development that will serve each of its participants as they enter the trades as an apprentice while contributing to the continued success of the construction trade industry in the Stittsville area.
If you are interested in a new pathway to a career in the construction skilled trades, apply by August 31, 2021 on the Tomorrow’s Trades website.