Certification

The September, 2004 Training Update dealt with the subject of Grandparenting – one route to certification as a Construction Craft Worker. Certification was also the subject of the May, 2003 Training Update – in that case, certification for operating equipment. Certification has become more and more a necessity for a range of activities. For construction workers, certification is required in WHMIS and Fall Arrest, just to be allowed on construction sites. To handle propane, to work in confined space, to direct traffic, to work as swampers – all these require certification.

These are in addition to the requirements for operating equipment. At the same time, there are new requirements for certification on many kinds of equipment – requirements either presently in existence or proposed.

Certification is also a means of recognition of skills and abilities. Professionals seek certification to be allowed to practice. Those whose credentials come from other countries sometimes have difficulties obtaining certification to practice here. This is an issue which gets frequent publicity.

Working with the Canadian Tri-Fund office, I looked into getting certification for our instructors. Our instructors already are trained for any of the skill areas they teach. But some additional recognition would be useful, in addition to rewarding them for the skills and knowledge they possess.

We discussed the feasibility of having the instructors complete a college program for a diploma. However, colleges certify their trades instructors after they complete a one-week training program. Our instructors already have hundreds of hours of classes – Train-the-Trainers, various adult education techniques courses. A college diploma might still be useful, but it is not clear the courses required to get one are necessary or worthwhile.

The issue isn’t closed, but we are looking into alternative routes.

Grandparenting (see the September Training Update): The process can get underway immediately. Forms will be available at the Union Hall and at the Training Centre.