2020 Urban Institute Spring Meeting
222 Rowntree Dairy Road
905-652-4140
Woodbridge, ON, L4L 9T2
Training
A career in the skilled trades is one that is both financially and personally rewarding. In many skilled trades, apprenticeship training is an essential step to becoming a certified tradesperson. With training being a vital component of the support members receive through being part of the Carpenters’ Union, Local 27 has realized training provides apprentices and journey-persons with the competitive advantage that contractors are requiring.
The College of Carpenters and Allied Trades operates 2 training centres conveniently located in Vaughan, ON that delvers training programs and courses for members of Local 27 who are apprentices and journey persons. The two state-of-the-art training centres provide a combined 113,000 square feet of both shop and classroom space including 11 electronic classrooms, 2 computer labs, a wood working machine shop, a welding shop and a dedicated floor covering workshop.
Apprenticeship programs are a vital part of ensuring members receive the highest-level training and education related to the skilled trades.
The College of Carpenters offers 2 apprenticeship programs for General Carpentry and Floor Covering Installer that provide apprentices with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed both on and off the tools.
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Click here to go to the CCAT's website: https://www.theccat.ca/
General Carpentry FAQs
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE AN APPRENTICESHIP IN GENERAL CARPENTRY?
A formal apprenticeship in General Carpentry is 7,200 hours in length—hours that are accumulated through a combination of work experience (about 90% of total hours) and in school training (about 10% of total hours). The apprenticeship period is broken down into four 1,800 hour terms.
IN WHAT AREAS IS A GENERAL CARPENTER APPRENTICE TRAINED?
A General Carpenter apprentice is trained in five main areas:
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Exterior Finishing;
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Framing;
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Formwork & Foundations;
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Finishing (Walls & Ceilings); and
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Interior Finishing.
WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES FOR BECOMING AN APPRENTICE?
To start an apprenticeship, individuals must be 16 years of age or older and have a minimum grade 10 education in Canada or a proven Canadian equivalency. Strong math and communication skills are essential.
WHAT TOOLS DO YOU NEED TO BEGIN AN APPRENTICESHIP?
In order to start work or school, apprentices must have a basic hand tool set and personal protective equipment (PPE). (A detailed list of tools and PPE may be obtained through CCAT.)
HOW MUCH DOES AN APPRENTICE EARN?
Apprentice wages increase according to apprenticeship term.
A fully trained journey level Carpenter currently earns $40.90 per hour under this collective agreement.
These rates do not include 10% vacation pay, health and welfare, or pension benefits.
WHAT SCHOOLING IS REQUIRED DURING THE APPRENTICESHIP PERIOD?
Apprentices are required to successfully complete three mandatory eight week blocks of in-school training throughout their apprenticeships: Basic (8 weeks); Intermediate (8 weeks); and Advanced (9 weeks).
WHAT COSTS ARE INVOLVED IN BECOMING AN APPRENTICE?
Apprentices are required to pay for the following:
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$67.80 per year for each year of apprenticeship payable to the Ontario College of Trades to register and maintain a valid Apprenticeship Training Agreement *
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A basic level tool set and personal protective equipment (i.e., hard hat, safety glasses, and safety boots).
This will cost approximately $400.00.
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$400.00 for each of the Basic and Intermediate in-school courses and $450.00 for the Advanced course *
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Text books and drafting set for all levels of schooling.
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A Union initiation fee ($168.00 - $412.00)
* Note: OYAP students are exempt from paying the agreement registration fee and the $400.00 basic schooling fee
WHO TRACKS THE APPRENTICE’S WORK EXPERIENCE HOURS?
Apprentices are responsible for keeping track of their own work hours; obtaining an employer’s verification signature; and submitting them to the CCAT on a monthly basis.
HOW DO YOU OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION IN CARPENTRY?
Once apprentices have completed the required schooling and work experience, they may write the Carpentry Certificate of Qualification examination through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. A provincial C of Q and inter-provincial or “Red-Seal” certificate will be granted to those scoring over 70%.
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL TRAINING OR UPGRADING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL 27 MEMBERS?
In addition to the mandatory apprenticeship schooling, a variety of trade related evening and weekend continuing education courses are available at no additional cost to Local 27 members in good standing. Examples of such courses are: blueprint reading, layout, welding, construction math, etc.
Union members are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities as a means of further developing their skills and enhancing their employability.
Floor Covering FAQs
How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship in Floor Covering?
A formal apprenticeship in Floor Covering is 6,000 hours in length—hours that are accumulated through a combination of work experience (about 90% of total hours) and in school training (about 10% of total hours). The apprenticeship period is broken down into six 1,000 hour terms.
In what areas is a Floor Covering Installer apprentice trained?
A Floor Covering Installer apprentice is trained in four main areas:
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Resilient Tile;
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Resilient Sheet Goods;
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Carpets and Pads; and
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Hardwood Floors.
What are the prerequisites for becoming an apprentice?
To start an apprenticeship, individuals must be 16 years of age or older and have a minimum grade 10 education in Canada or a proven Canadian equivalency.
Strong math and communication skills are essential.
What schooling is required during the apprenticeship period?
Apprentices are required to successfully complete two mandatory blocks of in-school training throughout their apprenticeships:
Basic (10 weeks); and Advanced (11 weeks).
What costs are involved in becoming an apprentice?
Apprentices are required to pay for the following:
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$67.80 per year for each year of apprenticeship payable to the Ontario College of Trades to register and maintain a valid Apprenticeship Training Agreement.
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A basic level tool set and personal protective equipment (i.e., hard hat, safety glasses, and safety boots).
This will cost approximately $300.00
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$500.00 for the Basic in-school course and $550.00 for Advanced.
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Textbooks for all levels of schooling.
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A Union initiation fee ($168.00 – $412.00).
Who tracks the apprentice’s work experience hours?
Apprentices are responsible for keeping track of their own work hours; obtaining an employer’s verification signature; and submitting them to CCAT on a monthly basis.
How do you obtain a Certificate of Qualification in Floor Covering?
Once apprentices have completed the required schooling and work experience, they may write the Floor Covering Certificate of Qualification examination through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development. A provincial C of Q and inter-provincial or “Red Seal” certificate will be granted to those scoring over 70%.
The future is bright.
Increasing the skills of our members and enabling them to do their very best work on the job is our top priority. We consider skill, safety, productivity, and attitude to be the keys to success for our members, our contractors, and our union. We are committed to providing our members and signatory contractors with a competitive advantage in the construction industry.
