Carpenter training program targets Indigenous youth – Northern Ontario Business
Carpenters Regional Council Local 1669 inspiring future trades people
Taking proactive steps to combat the challenges facing the skilled trades industry is the best way to attract new people interested in a trade career. Recognizing that targeting diverse groups of individuals is key to replenishing the number of skilled tradespeople in Northern Ontario.
One such example in the carpentry trade is the innovative program developed and delivered by Carpenters’ Regional Council (CRC) Local 1669 in Thunder Bay. The program delivers ongoing 10-week carpentry pre-apprenticeship programs in partnership with Anishinabek Employment and Training Services (AETS).
“We’ve just wrapped up two back-to-back programs that delivered 20 weeks of training,” said Evan Reid, coordinator for the local union and president of the training centre where programs are delivered. “The partnership between AETS and the carpenters union is helping put Indigenous people to work in the carpentry trade.”
The course is geared around the level-one carpentry Red Seal curriculum and also provides some specialty equipment training, welding instruction, and interior systems training. Also included is comprehensive training in all the occupational health and safety areas. Upon completing the program, participants can choose to pursue a career in carpentry as apprentices working for CRC signatory contractors.
