$70,000 from Local Construction Unions and Construction Association Help Launch Expanded Apprenticeship Program
Sarnia-Lambton’s local unions, along with the Sarnia Construction Association pledged a generous $70,000 in support to help launch a Skilled Trades Training Centre on the grounds of Lambton College.
Lambton College has been working in partnership with the Steamfitters UA Local 663, Carpenters LU 1256 and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers LU 530, along with the Sarnia Construction Association to gain approval from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to expand the apprenticeship training programs being offered. As a result of this partnership effort, Lambton College will offer new apprenticeship training in carpentry, construction maintenance electrician and industrial electrician, welding and steamfitter/pipefitter trades.
“Lambton College is thrilled to have the support of the unions and Sarnia Construction Association in this new venture. Their participation will be integral to the success of the Skilled Trades Training Centre,” said Judith Morris, VP, Academic and Student Success, Lambton College .
Sarnia-Lambton apprenticeship students will now be able to receive training locally, at significant savings in cost and time, benefiting both the students and their employers, commencing with Intermediate Carpentry classes in mid-February 2006.
“There are currently 700 apprentices working in the unionized building trades in Sarnia-Lambton. The introduction of local training means apprentices can continue working while completing their in-class training,” says Ray Curran, Chairman of Labour Relations, Sarnia Construction Association.
“This is a very big benefit to us,” said Curran. “The unions, the Sarnia Construction Association under leadership of its manager, Andy Pilat, and the College have put a lot of work into this.”
Another partner in the project, Steamfitters UA Local 663, is also looking forward to the program.
“This new Apprenticeship Training Program is the cumulative result of many months of working closely with Lambton College coordinators. I believe this will especially benefit the individual apprentice sparing him or her financial burden of living outside our jurisdiction while fulfilling trade school commitments,” said Ross Tius, Business Manager, UA Local 663. “I would suggest this is a situation where everyone involved is a winner.”
One-hundred-and-fifty apprentices work for the Carpenters LU 1256, which has a membership of 550. Business manager Ron Carlton says many of the union’s members are set to retire in the next few years, so they’re reassured there will be local training for apprentices who will replenish the workforce.
“We will be able to work with the College so that classes are scheduled during industry slowdowns. The decision on when apprentices attend classes will be made locally, at everyone’s convenience,” Carlton said.
While the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers LU 530 has no shortage of apprentices, Business Manager Mickey Cataford agrees the partnership between the College, the unions and the contractors is “a good fit.” Local 530 has 75 apprentices in its membership of 400, with the average worker’s age of 42.
A request has also been made to the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry for additional funding to renovate and equip the various skilled trades’ shops that will be built in the new Lambton College Skilled Trades Training Centre.
For more information regarding this and other programs, call (519)541-2403, e-mail, or visit www.lambton.on.ca
Media Contact:
Cindy Buchanan
Director Marketing, Business Development and Innovation
Lambton College
Tel: 519-542-7751 X-3334
Email: cindy.buchanan@lambton.on.ca