Letter to the Editor: People for Education needs to pull their head out of the sand

To the Editor:

Re: Advocacy report knocks Ontario’s early apprenticeship plan article featured in the DCN July 7, 2023.

I’d like to voice my opinion on how totally wrong the People for Education are.

I came to Canada as a 16-year-old with my parents in 1964 from Berlin, Ger. I had finished Grade 9, the grade required to enter the trades there.

I then had one year as a machine mechanic apprentice. I was recognized with a Canadian Grade 10 equivalent. With that I was allowed to start a plumber apprenticeship.

A five-year program with two 10 week periods at George Brown College, I received a six-month credit by passing the college program with honours.

My poor English at the time held me back from getting first class honours. But nevertheless, I still received the Red Seal certification.

I was just halfway through my 20^th year when I became a journeyman plumber.

I did not stop there. Through my union I took welding classes and became a high-pressure pipe welder, then a foreman and general foreman on multimillion-dollar jobs with many Niagara Mechanical companies.

At 55, with my wife, we started our own mechanical business, primarily in the wine industry.

I raised two girls, one is a teacher, the other one I had with my second wife graduated with an honours history BA and before that a four-year college course in museum studies.

Neither has a cent owing to anyone at graduation.

I’m comfortable, retired with my wife, and contribute it all to being a tradesman all my life.

The trades in Europe are administered by their education systems and are shorter as well.

Apprentices work and learn on the job four days and go to trade school for one day every week.

Many governments have gone to study the programs in Germany and England. They are basically the same.

But no one has ever realized their findings.

I am still a member of the United Association of Plumbers, Steamfitters and Welders, although retired. This advocacy group needs to get their head out of the sand.

Canada is millions of tradespeople short, and they are trying to hinder a solution with meddling, where there is real support needed to overcome this incredible shortage.

At 75, looking back on my achievements in my chosen trade, I have but great satisfaction.

Thanks for letting me voice my opinion on this subject.

Gunther Arndt

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