Compulsory Certification is the answer

Jesus Was a Tradesperson

By Murray Strong Being an apprentice should be a rewarding experience. Money is needed while you train in a pre-apprenticeship course to support yourself and your family during the weeks of school. Canada Employment Insurance is available but make sure you fill in every line, answer every question and file on time. The Ontario government offers a taxable cash grant of $1000.00 per year level of schooling up to a maximum of $2000.00 per person. If you are 15 years old or older, in high school and need a summer job, apply through Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and inquire about working the summer in a skilled trade. The school councilor will be able to give you all the information you need. The best part of the government policy is your WSIB Workplace Safety And Insurance Board costs will be covered by The Ministry Of Education .WSIB covers any sickness or injury on the worksite while you are at the temporary job. If you like the experience, ask the employer if they will offer a full time apprenticeship. Every employer knows the high cost of WSIB payments, so you’re a free worker, if the Ministry pays the full cost. Extra credits too! The student is also covered under The Occupational Health And Safety Act (OHSA) to keep you safe. Skilled Trades Ontario has a pretty good web site explaining the rules to becoming an apprentice. Pre-apprentice training in Ontario is free! I will tell you a secret. The employer gets a tax credit of $10,000.00 a year up to $40,000 for the 4 years. You get a $500.00 tax credit to cover tools. There is an organization called Skilled Trades College Of Canada with 5 locations in Ontario. There is one in Ajax at 314 Harwood Ave unit 280. I do not recommend this organization. They want $12,900.00 plus a $400.00 deposit! They offer a 12 week, pre-apprenticeship course in electrical, plumbing and renovations and network cable technician. This college lists various grants and loans available for apprentices. When you visit their website read about their partners, read about financial services to help you pay them and look at the store where they offer clothing and water bottles with their name everywhere on the items. This only my opinion but I say walk on by this experience and keep the $13,300.00. Save it for your new “top of the line” tool box. No mention of any union support or large contractors. No mention of this course being recognized as hours towards your apprenticeship. Next issue I will show the dream course offered by SCAS of The Toronto School Board for students 21 or older. When visiting a web site, I usually go immediately to a sites comments from previous customers. It is easy to spot a bod comment. I look for suggestions, experiences, opinions and bad service comments. This website has students giving a 5 star rating, row after row .They claim to be the greatest Trades College in Durham .You want the truth, read the tiny amount of 1 star comments. Pre-apprenticeship is free in Ontario. Thank you Denny Crane