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Delegates from across the country gathered in Windsor last weekend for the first meeting of the Unifor Skilled Trades Council. Central in the discussions was the development of strategies to coordinate apprenticeship program requirements and experience recognition across Canada.
“It is exciting to bring together skilled trades workers from across the country and representing both former unions,” said Dino Chiodo, President of Unifor Local 444 and Ontario Chair. “It is important for us to come together to discuss issues facing skilled trades workers across the country, including apprenticeships.”
Right out of the gates, Unifor is pushing for the harmonization of apprenticeships across Canada. Similar to the Red Seal program, which allows skilled trades workers to relocate and maintain their credentials, Unifor and other stakeholders believe there needs to be a similar program for apprenticeships.
Delegates were addressed by the chair of the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeships (CCDA) to hear about a three year project underway in the Atlantic provinces to harmonize apprenticeships as well as national strategies the CCDA is undertaking.
“We see a huge number of apprentices unable to complete the program because they lose their job and are unable to find other work,” said Dave Cassidy, National Skilled Trades Council Chair. “It is important for apprentices to be able to move where there are jobs available and still have their experience recognized.”
