WOODBRIDGE, ONT. – The Government of Canada is putting $4.8 million towards the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) Apprenticeship Integration and Development Program.
The funding, provided under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Union Training and Innovation Program, is a five-year commitment which runs until March 31, 2028.
The UBC program is focused on increasing the UBC’s apprenticeship completion and retention rates and will include development of a standardized onboarding program for entry-level apprentices and will offer them a clear understanding of what apprenticeship entails, UBC union structure and employer expectations, a release said.
“By supporting people from all backgrounds, we can build a sustainable economy. To solve the housing shortage, we must encourage innovative and creative solutions. Investing in projects like United Brotherhood of Carpenters means putting equity-deserving groups in the driver’s seat, providing skills training and opportunities for them to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s green economy,” federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages Randy Boissonnault said in a statement.
“In addressing Canada’s growing skilled labour shortage within the Red Seal Trades, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA) is committed to creating a pathway of opportunity,” UBC Canadian District vice-president Jason Rowe added.
“Our comprehensive onboarding program for new entry apprentices aims to not only meet the demand for skilled workers but also champion inclusivity and diversity in the trades. By empowering employers with training resources that celebrate the strengths of an inclusive workforce, we pave the way for a more accessible and diverse future in the trades.”
The program also has an on-the-job training component for apprentices to overcome skill gaps and attain work competencies to improve their chances of completing their apprenticeship along with training for employers on understanding biases, cultural sensitivities, and misconceptions related to Canadian newcomers, Indigenous people, and people with disabilities.
Six mentorship co-ordinators will be assigned to work with the UBC’s Regional Councils to facilitate the program and in addition to helping pair apprentices with mentors, the co-ordinators will help with the adoption of the new onboarding program, recruitment and promoting UBC training programs to members and employers, the release said.
UBC will also establish Regional Mentorship Advisory Groups comprised of equity deserving groups and employers to provide expertise and guidance to regional mentorship co-ordinators as they implement the UBC’s National Mentorship Program for apprentices.
Recent Comments