The provincial government is investing $183,000 in support of a free masonry pre-apprenticeship program in London.
Minister of Labour, Immigration, and Skills Development Monte McNaughton joined the Brick and Allied Craft Union of Canada (BACU) Local 5 to make the announcement on Friday. This is the latest initiative in Ontario’s $28-million investment in training young people for the skilled trades.
“The reality is that we are dealing with a shortage of skilled trade workers and one of the best ways to deal with this is through having training available. In order to do this, you need the expertise, resources and funding,” said Brian Pringle, business manager for BACU Local 5. “Local 5 certainly has the expertise through our highly qualified instructors, we have the resources through our partnership with the Ontario Masonry Training Centre and thanks to Minister McNaughton and this government, we now have the funding to train this next group of individuals in the Masonry Pre-Apprenticeship Program.”
The masonry program is tentatively launching May 1 with an initial cohort of 14 aspiring tradespeople. Over 16 weeks, participants will learn skills and techniques involved with spreading mortar, installing and reinforcing block and brick, and anchor systems.
Come August 18, the group will graduate into a registered apprenticeship with BACU Local 5 and work with a Signatory Contractor in the London area.
“When you have a career in the trades, you have a career for life,” said McNaughton. “That’s why our government will continue to invest historic amounts in innovative training projects that help young people gain the skills they need to build better lives for themselves and their families.”
A document with more details on the pre-apprenticeship program has been posted on the BACU Local 5 website.
The course will offer tuition and a “comprehensive masonry tool kit” at no cost.
Those interested in applying for the brick and stone masonry pre-apprenticeship program must apply in-person at the BACU Local 5 office, located at 4026 Meadowbrook Dr. in unit 125.
Participants will be expected to attend classes from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day at the West Annex Building in London’s Western Fair District.
You must bring your own CSA-approved safety boots and hard hat.
