Feature

To Comment on this article Click Here

PC Leader Tim Hudak right and MPP Bill Walker (L) talked with Carpentry Apprentice students

In the early morning hours of Groundhog Day, Conservative leader of Ontario, Tim Hudak, and MPP Huron-Bruce Owen Sound, Bill Walker, attended the Wiarton Willie Festival and then travelled to Georgian College where they toured the college apprenticeship programs.

Hudak & Walker met with students

Hudak is keen to see the programs expanded to meet the growing demand for skilled labour.  "The demand will continued to grow as workers in the trades approach retirement," said Hudak, "and we have to streamline programs and the requirements in the apprenticeship program to ensure that we meet that demand."

According to Hudak, Ontario is falling behind other provinces when it comes to the stringent requirements of apprentices on the job.  "Ontario requires that each apprentice train with three to five journeymen ," said Hudak.  "Our plan is to cut that to a one-to-one ratio."

(L) MPP Bill Walker, PC Leader Tim Hudak & Associate Dean, Donna Jansen

Although the plan is anticipated to cost upwards of $40 million, it would also create 200,000 more skilled positions in trades such as carpentry, electricians, plumbers and welders.

Under the PC apprenticeship reform plan, colleges would help to match aspiring apprentices with employers, would reach out to local businesses willing and capable to take on apprentices and would coordinate apprenticeship agreements.

"Community colleges like Georgian College and committed educators are crucial to facilitating these new apprenticeship opportunities," said Hudak.

"Many of our young people are moving to other provinces," said Hudak, "when we need them right here in Ontario."

Hudak greeted students

Ontario PC Lead Tim Hudak explains his Apprenticeship Program proposal

(R) Associate Dean Donna Jansen explains apprenticeship programs to Tim Hudak and Bill Walker (L) as they visit the welding program

Scrolling stops when you move your mouse inside the scroll area.  You can click on the ads for more

Survey Participate in our latest Kincardine Times survey

Survey Participate in our latest Saugeen Times survey

Survey Participate in our latest Walkerton News survey

^{for world news, books, sports, movies ...}

Friday, February 03, 2012