The Apprenticeship Connection

Welcome to The Apprenticeship Connection newsletter, a publication to share information about apprenticeship in Ontario and how Ontario’s Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) service providers can support the broader skilled trades community.  LBS agencies offer a wide range of academic upgrading services, from building on core, essential skills to preparation for post-secondary programs. Apprenticeships all include some in-class learning and LBS upgrading can help candidates refresh their core, transferable skills and prepare for more formal learning and exams.  The apprenticeship system is vast and is undergoing transformation.  As a result, it is challenging for LBS programs and instructors to stay informed of critical information.  This newsletter will feature information on skilled trades and apprenticeship resources, trends and initiatives to reinforce the relationship between Literacy and Basic Skills and apprenticeship. We plan to produce three issues of the newsletter in 2021-2022.  Our first issue focuses on Pre-Apprenticeship, including some successful pre-apprenticeship partnerships with LBS agencies.  If you enjoy this issue, please forward it to others who might be interested, and invite them to subscribe.

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2024-2025

Issue #1 – July 2024     (French)

Issue #2 – November 2024     (French)

Podcast #1 – Jun-28-24 – From Simcoe Muskoka Skillforce and the LNO Apprenticeship Connections group.  In this episode:  Tyler Cozart, owner of Cozart Heating and Air Conditioning, shares his journey in the trades and the importance of obtaining a Red Seal certification. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of starting his own business and offers advice for both apprentices and journeymen in the industry.  The link is below the logo

Podcast #2 – Sep-23-24 – In this episode, Mat Boisselle speaks with Jamie McMillan, founder of Kickass Careers, about the importance of promoting skilled trades to the next generation. They discuss the challenges faced in education and apprenticeship opportunities, the need for more skilled trades professionals, and the role of organizations like Skills Ontario in bridging the gap. Jamie shares her experiences and insights on how to navigate the path to a successful career in the trades, emphasizing the importance of hands-on education and persistence in seeking apprenticeship opportunities.

Podcast #3 – Sep-30-24 – In this conversation, Jamie McMillan discusses the significance of journeyman status in skilled trades, the importance of psychological safety in workplaces, and strategies for employers to recruit diverse candidates. She emphasizes the need for apprentices to be proactive in their job search and suggests exploring various trades, especially in high-demand areas like HVAC. The discussion also highlights the excitement and opportunities presented by skills competitions, likening them to the Olympics for trades. Jamie shares her contact information for those interested in learning more about her work and the skilled trades.

2023-2024

Issue #1 – July 2023     (French)

Issue #2 – October 2023    (French)

2022-2023

Issue #1 – Red Seal Trades   (French)

Issue #2 – Apprenticeship Updates Webinars   (French)

2021-2022

Issue #1 – Pre-Apprenticeship     (French)

Issue #2 – Successful Apprenticeship Partnerships     (French)

Issue #3 – Apprenticeship Recruitment     (French)

 

If you have a success story to share, please contact simcoe.muskoka@literacynetwork.ca

More Apprenticeship Resources

      Published by the Apprenticeship Committee of the Learning Networks of Ontario.  The Learning Networks are regional organizations that support and promote the adult upgrading agencies that are funded by the Employment Ontario (EO) division of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD).  All hyperlinks were working properly at the time of publication.

These Employment Ontario services are funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.