June 21, 2010

Ontario’s Bridge Training program to assist workers trained overseas

VINCE VERSACE

staff writer

A $30-million boost to the province’s Bridge Training programs will help IBEW Local 353 tap into a pool of internationally trained electricians wanting to work in Ontario.

“We are excited about the Bridge Training program. I think it has been long overdue,” said Joe Fashion, business manager of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353. “It is probably something Local 353 would not have done in the past. But, there is a new thinking among our leadership about bringing these workers onside, giving them their upgraded training that they need to provide them more Canadian experience.”

The province announced an additional $29.5 million in funding for 31 additional Bridge Training programs. The program will help an 5,500 internationally trained and skilled workers bridge into Ontario workplaces. Ontario has invested $175 million in Bridge Training programs since 2003, assisting almost 40,000 workers to receive the training they need.

“It is the bridge between aspiration and achievement,” said Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “It is the bridge to help highly skilled newcomers find jobs in their area of expertise.”

IBEW Local 353 will receive $3 million to help 1,500 internationally trained electrical workers receive training in Canadian construction methods, health and safety standards, occupational- specific language training and also training to meet the demands of more energy-efficient construction, including retrofits. The program offers paid work placements for four days a week and classroom training once a week.

Victor Lin, a Local 353 member and liaison with the Association of Chinese Electrical Workers, said such training programs are essential for internationally trained workers.

He noted that though he had 18 years of experience in the electrical trades in China, when he arrived in Ontario nine years ago, there was job site hardware and standards he was not familiar with. Training was the key to getting him up to speed and he believes the Bridge Training program will do this for others.

The Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO) supports the Bridge Training program because of how it integrates workers from other countries into the industry.

“A construction site is a demanding (place) and all workers need to be properly trained — it is continually changing,” said John Wright of ECAO.

“This program will allow contractors to mentor and guide workers from other countries into the activities of an Ontario electrician.”

The program can also help meet industry needs and project demands.

“It will also fill in any gaps,” he said. “Perhaps an electrician is strong on installing light fixtures but we need more training in bending conduit, this program will assist in that.”

Fashion added that as more electricians begin to retire, programs like Bridge Training will help prepare the trade for the future, exposing more apprentices to project experiences.

“Because these workers will be coming on, we will be able to put more apprentices out in the field to work with them and that is another important part.”

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