TRAINING UPDATE

Grandparenting Re-opened

After several Training Updates emphasizing the importance of completing the process of applying for the Construction Craft Worker Certificate of Qualification before August 31, the deadline has been extended until March 31, 2007.

This was because Local 183, in turmoil for a number of reaons the last two years, did not actively seek certification for their members. In the interest of giving Local 183 members a reasonable opportunity to obtain certificates without having to write the trade examination, the Ministry of Training, Colleges & Universities extended the deadline for all Labourers in the province.

Ambercroft staff will be visiting worksites to identify members who have not yet applied, in addition to providing help in completing the forms. In the meantime, application forms are available at the Training Centre and at the Union Hall’s dispatch office.

New Technologies

In addition to the training for operators of the Self-erecting Crane, which begins this month, we are working on training programs for Global Positioning Systems and Total Work Stations. GPS/Total Work Station has totally changed surveying techniques, particularly line on grade. The revolution has been brought about by lasers, computers, and the use of satellites. We hope to start GPS/Total Work Station training next year.

There are a couple of considerations to keep in mind if you are considering training in these new technologies:

     1. There are prerequisites.

     2. There is an investment of time.

For the Self-erecting Crane/Boom Truck training, in addition to the fact that the training takes six weeks, it is absolutely necessary that trainees are either experienced swampers or that they complete Hoisting & Rigging training – a program requiring four consecutive days. It’s a small investment, but often discourages members from taking the course.

For GPS/Total Work Station, trainees must be prepared to upgrade in Blueprint Reading and Layout, requiring several Saturdays and/or evenings.

If you think in terms of a 30- or 40-year career in the workforce, these are small sacrifices.