Matthew Cutler-Welsh’s Post

The Construction Training Fund has increased its base employer grants by up to $3000, along with huge increases to diversity incentives and new direct incentives to apprentices. For 3-4 year traineeships and apprenticeships, including civil construction apprentices, the base grant for employers increases from $12,000 to $15,000. The Cert IV in Civil Construction Supervision base grant is up from $10000 to $12500. The female and mature-aged bonus grants increase from 20% to 40% of the base grant. For 3-4 year apprentices the female and mature-aged bonuses both increase from $2400 to $6000. Eligible apprentices will qualify for milestone payments of $1,000 after they complete training milestones (in addition to the existing completion bonus) Apprentices will also be entitled to a $1000 Apprentice Tool Allowance rebate at both commencement and completion of their training. Read the government announcement: https://lnkd.in/gExP87eQ #training #news #civilconstruction

Did you hear the news!? The Construction Training Fund has increased its base employer grants by up to a massive $3000, along with huge increases to diversity incentives and new direct incentives to apprentices. For 3-4 year traineeships and apprenticeships, including civil construction apprenticeships, the base grant for employers increases from $12,000 to $15,000. The Cert IV in Civil Construction Supervision base grant is up from $10,000 to $12,500! The female and mature-aged bonus grants increase from 20% to 40% of the base grant. For 3-4 year apprentices, this means the female and mature-aged bonuses more than double, from $2400 to $6000. Eligible apprentices will qualify for milestone payments of $1,000 after they complete training milestones (in addition to the existing completion bonus). Apprentices will also be entitled to a $1,000 Apprentice Tool Allowance rebate at both commencement and completion of their training. If you’d like to find out more, please click here for the announcement: https://lnkd.in/g5rY-4pW. #civiltrainwa #trainwiththecivilexperts #ccf #civilconstruction #civilprojects #constructiontrainingfund #civilapprenticeships #onsitetraining #westernaustralia #perth #construction #trainee #traineeship #civil #RTO45621

Trades professionals, we can do better…. I wound up having a fairly long conversation with an apprentice that just so happened to be starting their career in the HVAC industry. They were a few years into apprenticeship. We began to talk about school and what was being covered. They were going over code in class (specifically venting of fuel burning appliances). I could see their frustration and I understood why immediately; because I had been in that same position not so long ago. The problem was that they were being taught how to ‘pass a test’ and not how to ‘apply the code’. This would make any apprentice’s head spin. Why are we still doing this? Generally, apprenticeships are between 4-5 years and there is A LOT of ground to cover within that time frame. Chances are that most apprentices may not get the opportunity to work on EVERYTHING before apprenticeship is over (this would, of course, vary by company, mentor, instructor, journeyman, whether they are working install or service, commercial or residential, etc.) — just being realistic here because there are many factors. Apprentices may not be familiar with how to apply the code if they have never worked on the specific equipment. Yes, it is important to understand the layout of the state licensure exams and how to navigate the code book(s), but learning practical application is just as important (if not more). This is where the theory (or textbook knowledge) and code meet. With today’s technology and abundance of resources online, there is no reason that we can’t teach the practical application of code. We can do better. I can remember being in my last year of apprenticeship and getting ready to take my journeyman’s exam. Knowing that you’re no longer going to be the ‘apprentice’, and that you’ll be responsible for seeing work through to completion without (as much) guidance can be stressful for anyone. I am not ashamed to say that I had major ‘imposter syndrome’ at the time. It’s easy to feel like you don’t know enough and question yourself constantly. With that being said, there aren’t many people entering the trades (not enough anyway), but we need to make sure the ones that choose a path in the trades feel supported. Some of us who have been in the field for a while can easily forget that apprenticeship can, at times, be very overwhelming. If you’re an apprentice and you’re having a rough time, stick it out and don’t give up. It’ll pay off tenfold! If you’re in my network and are in need of a mentor outside of work or school, are having trouble understanding a topic, or just have a question, feel free to send me a message and I’ll help out in any way I can. If I don’t have the answer, I’ll try to find it, do my best point you in the right direction, or get you in touch with someone who can answer it. #trades #apprenticeship #hvac

News from Ireland: The total apprenticeship population has climbed to 27,470, with 8,712 new registrations last year. The range of apprenticeships on offer has grown to more than 70, with new options due to become available over the coming months in areas such as construction, firefighting, paramedic work and social work. Overall, the bulk of apprentices are in the traditional craft sector (almost 23,140) which includes construction, plumbing and mechanics. The most popular options in this area are electrical (10,153), followed by plumbing (2,424), carpentry and joinery (2,424) and motor mechanics (1,452).

Vocational training in Germany, known as "Duale Ausbildung" or dual education system, is highly regarded for its effectiveness in preparing young people for skilled trades and professions. This system combines theoretical education in vocational schools with practical training in companies, providing a well-rounded education that meets the needs of the labor market. Here are some key aspects of vocational training in Germany: Vocational Schools (Berufsschulen): These schools offer part-time education that complements the practical training with theoretical knowledge. Students typically spend one or two days a week at these schools, and the rest of the time is spent working in their training companies. Duration: Apprenticeships usually last between two and three and a half years, depending on the occupation and the trainee's prior qualifications. Benefits Practical Experience: Trainees gain substantial hands-on experience, making them job-ready by the end of their training. Employment Opportunities: Many apprentices secure employment with their training companies after completing their apprenticeships due to the strong relationships built and the practical skills acquired. Industry Relevance: The training content is continuously updated to meet the changing needs of industries, ensuring that trainees acquire relevant and up-to-date skills. Key Players and Support Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IHK): These organizations oversee the quality and standards of vocational training. They certify training companies, conduct examinations, and provide support to both trainees and trainers. Government Support: The German government provides a supportive framework, including financial incentives for companies that offer apprenticeships and policies that promote vocational training. Social Partners: Trade unions and employer associations collaborate to ensure that vocational training standards are maintained and that the training remains beneficial for both trainees and businesses. Popular Vocational Fields Technical and Engineering Trades: These include fields like mechatronics, electrical engineering, and automotive technology. Healthcare: Nursing and medical assistants are common vocational training paths. Business and Administration: Office management, retail, and banking are popular choices. Crafts and Trades: These cover a wide range, including carpentry, plumbing, and hairdressing. Conclusion Germany's vocational training system is a robust model that effectively bridges the gap between education and employment. Its success lies in the close collaboration between educational institutions, businesses, and governmental bodies, ensuring that the skills acquired are directly applicable in the job market. This system not only benefits trainees but also supports the broader economy by creating a highly skilled workforce.

B.C. employers get $5,000 more if apprentices ‘self-identify’ Federally-funded incentive doubles if construction apprentices claim they are members of a group currently under represented in the trades Frank O'Brien, Western Investor Sep 27, 2023 12:54 PM Construction companies get cash incentives to hire more apprentices as labour shortage looms. | Chung Chow B.C. construction companies which hire trade apprentices who self-identify as members of an "equity deserving group" will receive double a new government incentive, pushing it to $10,000 for the first year of employment. The $10 million Apprenticeship Services program, being offered by the B.C. Construction Association (BCCA) and announced September 27, provides cash incentives to small and medium-sized construction employers who hire and register first-year apprentices in up to 39 Red Seal trades. Funding for what the BCCA calls the ”most far-reaching construction trade apprenticeship drive ever undertaken in British Columbia” is under the federal government’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, which launched in September 2022. Since then the project has issued financial incentives for the hiring and registering of 1,329 apprentices and sent payments to more than 700 employers. The BCCA will pay employers $5,000 for each first-year apprentice they register in any eligible Red Seal trades. However, if an applicant self-identifies as a woman, person with disabilities, Indigenous, racialized Canadian or from the 2SLGBTQI+ community, the incentive doubles to $10,000. Employers can register up to two first-year apprentices before March 31, 2024. So far, 51 per cent of the project apprentices have declared themselves to be a member of one of an “equity deserving group,” according to a BCCA release. “The Apprenticeship Services project has become one of the most successful workforce development programs the BCCA has ever launched,” said Chris Atchison, BCCA President. “The timing of this initiative couldn’t be better. Our industry is hungry for skilled workers.” While the project has registered apprentices in 35 different Red Seal trades, almost $6 million in funding has gone to B.C. employers registering first-year carpenters, construction electricians and plumbers, the BCCA noted. According to BuildForce Canada, the construction industry needs to recruit 299,200 new workers across the country by 2032, due predominantly to the expected retirement of 245,100 workers, or about 20 per cent of the current labour force over the next decade.  

Federal Budget 2024-25 continues to ignore the civil workforce pathway. The ongoing omission of civil apprentices from existing and new incentive schemes continues to deeply concern industry stakeholders. CACL supports the government’s focus on the housing crisis and clean energy projects however there is NO clean energy or housing WITHOUT the civil industry infrastructure to support them – it’s that simple! CACL, with the support of the Civil Contractors Federation SA - CCF SA, will continue its unapologetic demand for civil apprenticeship recognition as a priority occupation and call for parity in funding. Back us, by signing our petition here. https://loom.ly/Bp41UmU #CivilApprenticeshipsandCareersLtd #CACL #civil #CivilConstruction #CivilIndustry #Apprentice #Apprenticeships #CCFSA #vocationaleducation

Apprenticeship enrollments in Canada for trades like carpentry and electrical work are now higher than before the pandemic, reports Statistics Canada, indicating a growing response to the demand for skilled tradespeople. 🏗️ Canada needs more people in the Skilled Trades than ever before. Learn more here - https://lnkd.in/eXYtqZyW #ExploreSkilledTrades #Construction #Ontario

This is not the news we want to be hearing, the number of people starting apprenticeships in Construction is dropping, however, there are many benefits to starting an apprenticeship: ➡ Learn your trade while you make money ➡ Very little cost for your education compared to University degrees ➡ Support while you learn ➡ Varied learning experience (not just lectures) ➡ Strong career prospects With new apprenticeships being developed in Construction from Trades to Civil Engineering and Quantity Surveying, now is a great time to consider an apprenticeship programme: