Rethinking Second Career: What About an Apprenticeship?

Heather Powell-Sidhu [email protected]

Monday January 26

th

2015

Outline for Presentation

1) What is an apprenticeship? How does it work?

2) How do we view apprenticeships?

3) Apprenticeship vs Non-Apprenticeship 4) Counsellors Hesitation: Fear of the unknown?

5) Making apprenticeship: the new second career 6) Tips, resources and questions

Small Group Activity

At your table, please introduce yourself and state what the first thing is that comes to your mind when you hear the word, “Apprenticeship”. You will have 5 mins for this activity and we will be sharing with the whole group.

And we said…….

• • • • • • • “Trades”: Plumber, Electrician, Auto Mechanic, Hairdresser and Chef Learning on the job In demand Hard to find opportunities Confusion Long term investment MAKING BIG $$$$$$$$$$$$

Official Definition

“An apprentice is someone who learns a skilled trade on the job, under the direction of more experienced workers. Apprentices also complete classroom instruction as a part of their training.” Source: Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (Ontario) http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/apprentices/faq.html

January 2/2015

What is a Red Seal???

“The Red Seal Program is the Canadian standard of excellence for skilled trades. Formally known as the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program, it sets common standards to assess the skills of tradespersons across Canada. Tradespersons who meet the Red Seal standards receive a Red Seal endorsement on their provincial/territorial trade certificates.” Source: Red Seal Program. http://www.red-seal.ca/about/[email protected]

SMALL GROUP ACTIVITY: Numbers!

In your small group, write down a number for each of the following:

1)# of apprenticeship opportunities in Canada 2)#of Red Seal opportunities in Canada 3) # of apprenticeship opportunities in Ontario You have 1 min!!!!

Answers!

• • Over

200

apprenticeship opportunities in Canada and

160

in Ontario

57

Red Seal Opportunities

Have you heard of?

            Drywall Finisher and Plasterer Information Technology - Contact Centre Technical Support Agent

Truck and Coach Mechanic

Optics Technician (Lens and Prism Maker) Automotive Glass Technician

Industrial Mechanic Millwright Brick and Stone Mason

Child and Youth Worker Appliance Service Technician Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programmer Special Events Coordinator Heavy Equipment Operator - Tractor Loader Backhoe

The Demand!

http://www.canadianliving.com/life/work/canadas_10_hottest_job_industries _finance_construction_nursing_pharmacy_and_more.php

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/lists-and-rankings/best-jobs/2014 skilled-trades-jobs-top-10/ http://www.workopolis.com/content/advice/article/15-in-demand-jobs-in canada-that-are-waiting-to-be-filled-right-now/ http://nacc.ca/the-5-best-skilled-trades-jobs-in-canada/ http://www.careersintrades.ca/index.php?page=why-the trades&hl=en_CA

Trades are being promoted everywhere, but are we promoting them?

• • • • •

Assumptions?

Trades= no “office jobs” You need to be good with your hands Dirty rough work.

Takes a long time to become a trades person Only for young people Who promotes these stereotypes?

Friends, co-workers, family and employment counsellors

They said what?

Canadian Living Journal: Canada’s Hottest Jobs: Dec 2013.

“If you don't want an office job but do want a salary that pays above the national average, this is the sector for you. Unfortunately (or fortunately for you, depending on how you look at it), the skilled trades have suffered stigmatization for a generation. As a result, a shortage of tradespeople is looming in the service (chefs, horticulturalists), construction (electricians, carpenters, plumbers), transportation (aviation technicians, automotive service technicians) and manufacturing (industrial mechanics, tool and die makers) sectors.”

Non-Apprenticeship vs Apprenticeship

• • • •

Non-Apprenticeship

Attend school full-time ranging between 1-4 years Work part-time, co-op, summer positions to get experience Education debt Finish school, try to get experience and take a entry level position • • • •

Apprenticeship

Work for about six months to a year, attend school for a few weeks, return to work and making $$$.

Get experience and education at the same time.

Make $$$$ Finish school and on the job training: become a journey person

• • •

What does all this mean?

Pursing an apprenticeship could be beneficial in the long term and short term for unemployed clients Assist in meeting Employed targets (69% employed target needed for Employment Ontario Services) Can assist in breaking the cycle of poverty

What are you waiting for?

SMALL GROUP ACTIVITY: Discuss in your table group, why you think employment counsellors/advisors may avoid discussing apprenticeships?

Reasons

• • • • • Confused about the process Client wants an “insist fix” Seems like a long process Involves the “government” Anything else?

Small Group Activity

• In your small groups, discuss how you could assist your organization with becoming more comfortable in discussing apprenticeships with clients?

• • • • • •

Change it

Make apprenticeship, part of your culture Take to stay away from having specialist:

Competence

must be across the board Have a visit from Government bodies, Trade Associations or other organizations involved with apprenticeships Reinforce the message at staff meetings, have workshops and attending information sessions Show how it will impact your bottom line How will it help clients!

Resources and Final Tips

Link to Wiki: https://sites.google.com/site/apprenticeshipinfo rmation/home • • •

Final Tips

Invest for the long haul Reinforce the message Do not be afraid!