Choosing Apprenticeship, a Pathway Many LBS Providers can Help With

By Laurence Buenerd // Coordinator and Copywriter

LBS practitioners have a lot to offer. Among less publicized activities are those that support other training programs, address skills gaps and help learners build their foundational skills. LBS practitioners have been working to forge stronger connections with Ontario’s apprenticeship system for decades. As alarming figures in the news report the shortage of skilled workers and the steep decline in new registrations and certifications, there might be a momentum.

In the field of skilled trades, Ontario's LBS providers can make a big difference in helping future apprentices choose the right trade for them, get a clearer idea of what to expect during their training, and be better prepared for their apprenticeship until their certification. The first two "Apprenticeship Connection” newsletters12, published by the Apprenticeship Committee of the Learning Networks of Ontario3 (LNO), a coalition of 16 regional learning networks located throughout Ontario, have collected several examples of how LBS can help preapprentices and apprentices on their path. Hence, the hashtag they chose: #HereForApprentices.

The first contribution to apprenticeship activities LBS practitioners can make is to help future apprentices have a better idea of the path that awaits them, get skills upgrading support and receive help in navigating in-school training. Following are two examples:

› Humber College’s pre-apprenticeship program (Toronto), “Pathways to the Skilled Trades4”, is an 8-week program for those who are currently unemployed, interested in exploring the trades and experiencing financial hardship. Enrolled students will have 30 hours of training per week, including 15 hours of work related to the relevant trade, 6 hours of academic upgrading and 2 hours of employment preparation. They will also participate in workshops discussing pathways, emotional intelligence, the apprenticeship process, time management, funding, budgeting, etc. › A partnership between the Centre for Employment & Learning (CEL) in Huron County and the Technical Training Group (TTG) launched a "Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Multiple Trades Exposure Programs", designed to teach the basic theory and practical knowledge needed to get entry-level work in the skilled trades. This 25-week program includes 17 weeks of in-school theory, hands-on practical training, trade math, blueprint reading, employment preparation and safety training, as well as a paid 8-week work placement.

1 Issue #1 of The Apprenticeship Connection Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/954e57248d26/the-apprenticeship-connection-issue-1 2 Issue #2 of The Apprenticeship Connection Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/290a8626c3f1/the-apprenticeship-connection?e=[UNIQID] 3 https://learningnetworks.ca 4 https://humber.ca/community/training-programs/youth/pathways-to-the-skilled-trades.html

A second contribution is to help future apprentices to be better prepared for their apprenticeship:

› A partnership between LiUNA Local 1059 and Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) has been implemented to pay specific attention to pre-apprentices’ skills in math, reading comprehension, soft skills and digital literacy skills, and any learning challenges or barriers. Many pre-apprentices take the math program to develop their skills, and those who need to gain

Grade 10 credentials or to have their credentials recognized and accredited are also supported. › The St. Charles Adult and Continuing Education Centres at the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School have developed a partnership with Hamilton's YWCA. St. Charles focuses on numeracy upgrading for participants in the women’s electrical pre-apprenticeship program who do not have the Grade 12 math credentials they need. St. Charles also helps with recruitment by allowing various partner organizations to come and speak to their general student population about opportunities.

A third contribution is to support apprentices in their learning, and even sometimes support the employers:

› The St. Charles Adult and Continuing Education Centres at the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School have developed two other partnerships with the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 837, and with

Hamilton's Immigrants Working Centre (IWC): › LiUNA Local 837 focuses on the HYIC (Hamilton Youth in Construction) program in Construction craft and cement finishing. St. Charles recruits youth, provides soft skills training and referrals to Employment Service providers for the

HYIC classes. › Hamilton's Immigrants Working Centre (IWC) provides truck driver training. St. Charles has created a math course to help participants write the final exam successfully. St. Charles also helps with recruitment by allowing various partner organizations to come and speak to their general student population about opportunities in the skilled trades. › Because math is widely needed in a variety of trades, Humber College signed a partnership to provide math support for apprenticeship students in the Electrical Apprentices (ELAP) and Plumbing Apprentices (PLAP) programs. › Support Ontario Youth (SOY) matches employers with qualified apprentices and helps both navigate the recruiting, registering, paperwork processes and supports apprentices with guidance and mentorship. › St. Lawrence College in Kingston and Literacy Link Eastern Ontario (LLEO) have a partnership going on with the campus’ LBS program to support struggling apprentices.

These are just a few examples of how LBS providers can be a valuable part of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. ■