For Immediate Release
April 27, 2005

Local MPP Works Towards A New Apprenticeship Program

Laurie Scott introduces a Private Members Bill today for a new apprenticeship program for people working in the fuel industry

Today, Haliburton-Victoria-Brock MPP, Laurie Scott introduced her first Private Member’s Bill, entitled The Apprenticeship and Certification Amendment Act, 2005. The bill calls for the development of a new apprenticeship program in the province of Ontario. If passed, this bill would be the first step in gaining recognition for a new apprenticeship program for people working in the fuel industry.

In order to work in the fuel industry, trades people are typically required to be the holders of particular certifications, designating them as qualified technicians, able to service natural gas and oil fired appliances. These technicians will often service gas and oil fueled furnaces and air conditioners in homes. They also service large heating and cooling systems in businesses and commercial sectors. People that work as gas and oil technicians also typically work in residential air-conditioning, plumbing, and sheet metal areas.

The development of an apprenticeship program that would provide thorough training and certification of people working in the fuel industry is an initiative that needs to move forward.

“Working together with people employed in the trade, college training providers, and industry stakeholders towards a new apprenticeship program is absolutely necessary”, Laurie Scott remarked.

The Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada supports the development of a new apprenticeship program regarding the fuel industry as those working as gas and oil technicians typically work in concert with refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics. Martin Luymes, the Director of Services and Relations, commented that a “new apprenticeship program is necessary to give a face to the trade and to ensure that there are people with the proper training and certification ready to work in the industry.“

The Director of Training Services at Sir Sanford Fleming also supports a move in this direction. Diane Moldaver commented that the program offered by Sir Sanford Fleming, leading to gas and oil burner technician certification, is a “natural fit” for apprenticeship training.

Laurie Scott’s Private Members’ Bill will receive second reading on May 12th, 2005. She looks forward to garnering all party support and seeing this bill move forward.

“We need to ensure that, currently, people are able to access the required training and certification to work in the fuel industry and that we will not be facing a skilled trades shortage in the near future” said Laurie Scott.

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