Representatives from the sheet metal workers union and from companies in the sheet metal industry thought there was a need to attract more workers into the industry and to maintain and increase their skill levels.
This bipartisan group formed a committee and did a feasibility study to find the most efficient and effective training delivery system. The committee considered the advantages and disadvantages of various models and then developed a business case for a provincial sheet metal industry training centre.
They included an analysis of human resources, an evaluation of current training delivery models, and a business plan. They also included strategies and recommendations on implementing the selected training delivery model.
The research showed that industry-run centres are much more responsive to market needs and can quickly gear up to train or upgrade workers for a specific project. The industry-run training centres also act as a valuable tool for promoting the industry to new entrants.
Committee members visited other sheet metal training centres to learn from their example and met with the contractors and labour representatives to discuss their concerns, viewpoints and suggestions.
One of the key considerations was location. A central, convenient location would reduce costs by as many apprentices as possible to be day students. The centre would also have to be within a reasonable driving distance from most journeypersons who would attend upgrade training courses.
Oakville was ultimately selected as it is a 60 to 90 minute drive for 70 per cent of the union’s members.
Investing Through
Industry Partnerships