TRAINING UPDATE

Self-Erecting Crane

Later this fall, Durham College and Ambercroft Training Centre will be cooperatively delivering a six-week Branch 3, Crane Operator course at the Training Centre. The program is part of training for a 339C cerificate which, following 1,000 hours on-the-job training and a trade examination will qualify individuals to operate the Self-Erecting Crane and also to operate Boom Trucks.

This training will be especially appropriate for experienced swampers (trained and experienced in Hoisting and Rigging) who are experienced with the use of cranes and boom trucks at construction sites. It is expected that Self-Erecting Cranes will be used extensively in construction in the future.

Construction Craft Worker Certification

Grandparenting for the Construction Craft Worker trade certificate is over. There are still individuals who feel they should have received the certificate and are still entitled. They may be, but they can’t receive the certificate through grandparenting.

The process now is to produce proof of experience in the trade and then to write and pass the 450A trade examination. Apprentices have had to follow this process and several have written and passed the examination. Journeypersons with extensive experience working for forming contractors and others, and with some training in blueprints, rigging and similar skills should be able to successfully challenge the exam.

The Training Centre anticipates that there will be a requirement – in a year or so – to provide pre-exam courses to help individuals pass the trade examination. This was the experience in Alberta after the grandparenting period ended. It may be that some individuals who were not registered apprentices will need to take apprenticeship training, or at least part of it, to successfully pass the examination – if they decide they want certification.

But, as has been stated several times, not having the certificate will not penalize good Labourers. Construction Craft Worker is a voluntary trade. Ministry of Labour inspectors will not demand certificates. There are at present no collective agreement requirements that General Labourers hold the CCW certificate.