b'APPRENTICESHIPHe has a degree in Business Administration andEconomicsandhastwolevelsofthe International Foundation Trust Management Standards.Michael has been on the association Board of Directors since 2015 and has also served on the Safety Group and the Labour Relations AdvisoryCommittee.Healsositsonthe Boardof TrusteesoftheIBEW353 Trust Funds. Free Level 1Certi-Fire Training With the continued support of Employment Ontario under the Ministry of Labour, Immi-gration,TrainingandSkillsDevelopment, Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO)receivedsecond-roundfunding from the Provincial Skills Development Fund (SDF) for the Certi-Fire program to enhance itstrainingcapabilitiesinthefirealarm industry.InSpring2021,theCerti-FireprogramLevel 1 will be delivered virtually, includingwill arrange and distribute the VR headsets received the first round of SDF funding tothe VR labs. Our virtual classroom, whichand associated equipment to each regional expand the courses in a COVID-19-friendlyhelpstosavecommutingcostsandtime,training centre/instructor.environment, by delivering programs onlineprovides convenience, flexibility and a com-toaccommodateathomelearningforthefortablelearningenvironmentfromhome.If you are interested in getting started in Level in person classroom training. It was a greatFor the VR labs, in place of the traditional1 Certi-Fire Distant Learning program with achievement for Certi-Fire! hands-on shops, locations will be determinedECAO, please contact Certi-Fire Administra-The second round of SDF funding allows usin accordance with course schedules. ECAOtor Phyllis Lee at contactus@certifire.org. to develop Virtual Reality (VR) Certi-Fire Lab Assessment where a wearable device allows participants to learn to wire a fire panelwhich is currently underway. The good news about this VR technologywe will be able to provide training in an innova-tive method that will eliminate the traditional need for large physical spaces and large capital investments.Itwillalsoresolvetheindoor setting limitations and geographical issues that were a barrier due to COVID-19.ECAO is pleased to offer a limited, one-time opportunity for free Level 1 Certi-Fire Training for IBEW members and individ-ualswhoare309Alicensedelectricians orminimumthird-termapprenticeswith intermediate trade schools. This promotion is on a first come, first served basis, and applies to Level 1 only, within the given period of time. This free tuition offer will end on March 31, 2023, or until the seats are filled, whichever comes first.Ontario Electrical Contractor29'