Sunday, August 27, 2023

CLAC Apprenticeship Group Sponsor Program Update

With a greater push by the Ontario government to create new preapprenticeship programs, like CLAC’s successful Construction 101 Bootcamp program, more entry-level apprentices are entering the workforce and starting their career in the trades. Now, more than ever, we need to work together to help these new tradespeople find the right employer and mentor to help kickstart their apprenticeship pathway!

CLAC was approved by the Ontario government as an apprenticeship group sponsor in 2023.

“This exciting new member service arrived just in time for the push to encourage people to enter the trades and help offset the large skilled trades shortage Ontario is anticipating by 2025,” says Colin deRaaf, CLAC Training director in Ontario. “Our CLAC Group Sponsor Program allows us to do our part to encourage employers to register team members as apprentices and fill the inevitable gaps left as others retire or move out of the trades. This new service allows us to support members and employers from recruitment to completion.”

In Ontario alone, apprenticeship registrations have increased by 24 percent year over year—from 21,971 to 27,319. In 2022, 73,000 more people retired compared to a year earlier, a jump of 32 percent.

What makes CLAC’s program unique is that an employer can decide if they would like to register all apprentices or choose selected individuals who may need more one-on-one support, including those apprentices who are new to the trade.

“The ultimate goal is to assist new first-year apprentices through their onboarding so they can be successful for their entire on-the-job training and in-class education,” says Colin.

CLAC has been approved for the following trades: construction craft worker, electrician, general carpenter, heavy duty equipment technician, plumber, refrigeration and air conditioning systems mechanic, sheet metal worker, sprinkler and fire protection installer, and steamfitter.

“These nine trades will give us the opportunity to explore and develop more support for the noncompulsory trades, while continuing to improve current member services including onboarding and tuition reimbursements,” says Colin.

CLAC Apprentice Services can be found by visiting the myCLAC – My Apprenticeship page at clac.ca/myapprenticeship.

In Ontario, CLAC currently represents over 2,400 apprentices.

“Since 2020, we have onboarded 850 apprentices, with 208 successfully completing their apprenticeship and becoming a journeyperson,” says Colin [as of August 9, 2023].

The CLAC Apprenticeship Team continues to build out the services it offers apprentices. It has created digital content for training, skills development (e.g., math skills), and advocacy between the apprentice/employer and the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and Skilled Trades Ontario.

“In the coming months, we expect to see an increase in engagement with employers and apprentices,” says Colin. “And we continue to work closely with the CLAC Jobs Team to help place applicants with the right employer.”

What Employers are Saying about CLAC’s Group Sponsor Program

“Group sponsor has taken the pressure off of our office staff by allowing their team to introduce, organize, and follow up with the new apprentices’ registrations and future paperwork.” —Steve Falcone, Halton Sheet Metal

“Working with the CLAC Group Sponsor Program has been a wonderful experience. Not only are they there for the employees, they are also there to guide the employer in whatever issues or questions they may have. As an HR manager, this program has also been a learning opportunity in what CLAC has to offer to the new generation of workers.” —Laura Cross, Asco Construction Ltd. (J.G Barrette Electric Ltd.)

“As a small business owner, it was very hard to keep track of all the training, registering, and schooling for our apprentices. With the CLAC Group Sponsor Program, they take the time to work with the apprentices to manage their journey through the trade! They have kept us informed the whole way. Highly recommend their services!” —Matt Wickie, O’Brien Fabrications

“The CLAC Group Sponsor Program has been a great benefit to us and our new apprentices to make the apprenticeship sign-up process easy. Once we commit to a new apprentice, the group sponsor team does all the rest to help make the process seamless. CLAC is always there for us and the new apprentice to help with any questions or government incentive programs to ensure nothing is missed. The partnership between CLAC and Besseling has been a great experience, and we look forward to working with them for many years to come.” —Rob Besseling, Besseling Mechanical

Carson Wickie – 1st Year Sheet Metal Worker Apprentice with O’Brien Fabrications

David Wiebe – 1st Year Carpentry Apprentice with Alder Concrete

Remy Lariviere – 3rd Year Electrical Apprentice with J.G Barrette

Simon Hajjii – 2nd Year Electrical Apprentice with Tri-Unite

CLAC Apprenticeship Group Sponsor Program Update

What Employers are Saying about CLAC’s Group Sponsor Program

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