Ontario's College of Trades

[sparkydave]

How are things going guys. Some pretty amazing growth, great to see.

A fellow member on Mike Rowe's forum brought to my attention a new "College of Trades" instituted by the Ontario government. I thought I'd pass it on since it impacts on trade issues. It's not an educational institution, but a self-governing body that lets tradespeople and employers decide on trades issues. Even community colleges and private colleges that train apprentices are excluded.

There are several head scratchers, for any of you that might be interested in how trades are being handles elsewhere. The first item on the agenda is apprenticeship ratios; 3 to 1, meaning the contractor I work for (5 journeymen) can't hire another apprentice until one completes or he hires a couple more! also, I can't any trades guys who even know about the college, care, or will happily cough up $100. a year to fund it. Thirdly, the unions are up to speed and vocal. That's not bad; they have done good work, but how can non-union workers be properly represented if they aren't organized and if they don't care?

We're (lol-only guessing I'm not the only one-) waiting to see what happens. I could be retired in a Florida mobile home with a pink flamingo in the front yard before we see any results.

Any comments on apprentice ratio's in general?

Thanks Dave

http://electricaladviceorillia.blogspot.com/

[framer55]

I would have a comment if I had any idea what you are talking about??????????

I love to read what I write!!

[sparkydave]

It seems that a little explanation is in order.

In most areas, in the skilled trades, some trades are restricted (HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical) meaning no one can practice without a license. In these trades, in our area, you can't even use a helper unless signed up as an apprentice.

At some time in the recent past, in Ontario, a requirement was brought in that 3 journeymen had to be employed before an apprentice could be hired. I haven't had an apprentice working with me for quite a while, because we lost one while we were slow, and although we get calls every day from would-be apprentices, our hands are tied and we can't hire. Ridiculous? you bet. All the money spent promoting trades in schools, and we can't hire.
That's a 3:1 ratio. Just curious what ratios if any exist elsewhere.

"College of Trades"? I haven't talked to any trades who have a clue what it's about.
We understand that Doctors and Lawyers have their own self-governing bodies that determine how they practice their professions, and handle complaints. So do teachers, nurses, etc., in Ontario. So also, now, do the Trades; except how do tradespeople participate in something if the don't know what it is about?

There has always been interest on here about contractor licensing and how it is enforced. And grand hopes that better enforcement will improve the trade. Outside of the electrical trade and the large cities, we have very little contractor licensing, but these moves demonstrate how regulation only makes life more complicated for the guys trying to work by the rules and does nothing for getting rid of fly by nighters.

Some of the discussion involves including non-restricted trades. How would your construction business be if you were required to have three licensed carpenters before you could hire a single apprentice?

Oh yeah, it's also about respect.

I hope this explains it better.

Dave