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The federal government’s newly announced push to hire up to 100,000 new trades workers is being received well by London-area unions and tradespeople, who hope the $6 billion in investment will make a big difference in their industries.
The measure, called Team Canada Strong, is being framed as a streamlined process which addresses key obstacles in a worker’s journey, from their first interest in the skilled trades to becoming Red Seal certified.
Part of it includes financial aid for apprentices, measures that could make or break someone’s decision to join the trades, according to Johnson Olowofela, a member of LiUNA Local 1059.
“When I started I was a new father, my wife was on mat leave, and every financial responsibility was on me. I was the only one bringing in money, so it was tough leaving my job,” he said.
Olowofela works in demolition, and has had his Red Seal certification for roughly one year.
He said proposed measures like a weekly income top-up of $400 per week for apprentices while they attend technical training, and the $5,000 bonus for apprentices who obtain certification in a Red Seal trade, would have gone a long way when he began.
“I maybe would have applied sooner if I had those options, and would’ve been more comfortable to apply.”
Of the $6 billion in investments planned for the next five years, one-third is dedicated to increasing the number of young people recruited into the trades, plus $262 million per year after that time period.
It’ll allow Canadians between 15 and 30 to join the program, providing them with “paid, entry-level, trades-related work experience that leads into apprenticeship,” according to the federal government.
Johnson Olowofela is a union member with LiUNA 1059. (Submitted)
Olowofela said he also welcomes the program because the shortage of tradespeople is felt on the jobsite on an almost daily basis.
“You’re often feeling like you wish you had more hands on the job,” he said. “But with so many jobs, we’re usually stretched thin.”
That’s a sentiment felt by unions across the London region and beyond, according to Logan Kane, executive director of programs and initiatives for the Carpenters Union, which represents roughly 900 people in the London area under Local 1946.
“For decades, a lot of the trades in general were overlooked and looked at as a secondary option,” Kane said.
“What we’re seeing is a generational investment. We’re going to see the future of the workforce participate in this, and they’re going to be able to have better careers and they’re going to be able to contribute to the economy.”
Kane said the assistance for apprentices won’t just help people who are already on their path to certification but it’ll also make it easier for the union to promote its trade to youth.
“We’re also going to be able to better target some of the youth who really want to get into the trades, but they weren’t necessarily aware of the best opportunities to be able to do so,” he said.
Home construction in the rapidly growing West Five neighbourhood in London, Ont. Skilled tradespeople are instrumental to the construction of new housing, according to unions. (Alessio Donnini/CBC)
More people in the workforce will mean good news for southwestern Ontario, Kane added, pointing to growing demand from projects like the Volkswagen battery plant in St. Thomas, and future upgrades at Bruce Power.
“The announcement also has the labour mobility tax deduction for tradespeople going from $4000 up to $10,000. It’s really going to allow individuals who are working in one area to move to where the work is.”
The federal plan also has implications for unions more directly, with a proposal to expand the union training and innovation program.
Brandon MacKinnon, business manager at LiUNA Local 1059, said the proposed federal investments hit the nail on the head when it comes to what trade unions were hoping to see.
“It’s great to have the tools and equipment and money for apprenticeship, but if you don’t have the proper facilities to train and house those workers, that’s a bit of an impediment,” MacKinnon said.
“Opening up funding to include brick and mortar will be great, I’m sure, for other trade unions as well, to expand their facilities and their capacity to train workers.”
MacKinnon said that capacity will be much needed, especially in London itself.
“The City of London has a huge capital portfolio this year doing [bus rapid transit] work, asphalt paving, sewer and water mains,” MacKinnon said, also pointing to major developments in the broader southwestern Ontario region.
“I think the government has recognized you need the skilled workers to make those projects work.”