6 UPWORD www.winnipegconstruction.ca FROM OUR PRESIDENT Apprenticeship: Time to Push the Reset Button This past November, a large number of Apprenticeship Manitoba stakeholders gathered to provide input into the group’s 2018-2021 Strategic Plan. There was some great discussion at our table and around the room, but I can’t help wondering if a more disruptive change is in order. The status quo just doesn’t cut it. Construction is arguably the largest stakeholder when it comes to apprenticeship training with at least 27 of the 55 designated trades employed in whole or in part by this industry. Approximately 7,000 of the 11,400 registered apprentices in Manitoba work in the construction industry. Given the long-range labour market requirement for the construction industry, we have a large stake in the success of this training program. In July 2017, Auditor General Norm Ricard released a report on the Management of Manitoba’s Apprenticeship Program that is highly critical in many key areas – many which have been articulated by WCA in recent years. Ricard identified weak performance reporting, lack of information about completion rates, difficulties with ensuring quality on-the-job training and inadequate assurance that the in-school training is properly accredited. The report also addressed the difficulties assessing prior learning and the practical experience of newcomers to the province, and ensuring an apprentice sees a full scope of work. I also have concerns about the Provincial Advisory Committees for each trade – which seem to rarely meet – and an Apprenticeship and Certification Board which does not direct the activities of Apprenticeship Manitoba! If there is a bright spot in this discussion it is with new board Chair Ken Webb and Executive Director Lesley McFarlane – two extremely capable individuals who I believe want to make this system work, and hopefully will make it work. WCA will be providing direct feedback to this consultation process, with recommendations for change. If members have comments on this topic, I would be happy to hear them. Email me at rhambley@winnipegconstruction.ca Ronald Hambley, President