SLAAMB

In November 2007, Hydro One approached the Sioux Lookout Area Aboriginal Management Board to determine if there was an interest for First Nation candidates to potentially participate in Hydro One's apprenticeship program with an effort to broaden their skills, with an opportunity to seek employment with Hydro One.

The first step of the project promoted two of Hydro One apprenticeship programs. These were: Powerline Technician Apprenticeships and Utility Arborist Apprenticeships. In addition, the project included a search of candidates who may be able to challenge the C of Q exam should they have enough work experience as a Powerline Technician or as a Utility Arborist. As well, the project sought data to include the following:

• Number of interested candidates,
• Academic levels of interested candidate.
• Number of candidates with energy sector experience.
• Are interested candidates willing to make a multi-year commitment?
• Are they willing to work for Hydro One?
• Are they able to work in an urban environment?

In June 2008, the project was reviewed by Hydro One, Power Workers' Union and SLAAMB. The partners recommended to expand the project to include other apprenticeship programs offered by OPG, Bruce Power, and Hydro One, and to assess existing applicants for suitability for the positions applied for.

SLAAMB's continuing role with this project is to visit each community in its catchment area to present the information to Chief and Council and any interested community members, document any interest and coordinate and advice Hydro One towards next steps to project.

Hydro One and the Power Workers' Union will meet with SLAAMB again in December to review the program and develop / implement further staged steps to the project.

Key Facts about Hydro One Apprenticeship Training

• Skilled trades' people make up a large portion of Hydro One's workforce. Hydro One people are the best in the business and offer a rigorous apprenticeship program that lets you learn on the job with experienced Hydro One employees.
• Hydro One's apprenticeship program and trades hiring is jointly managed by Hydro One and the Power Workers Union.
• Apprenticeship training is developed in-house and is largely performanced based.
• Approximately 40 per cent of employees in this industry are expected to leave their jobs in the next 10 years due to retirement.
• It takes about five years for new apprentices to successfully complete their programs. There will be a real demand for graduates from skilled trades and apprenticeship programs in the future.
• Interested candidates to Hydro One's apprenticeship program must make a multi-year commitment. To complete a program from start to finish takes 4 to 5 years depending on trade.
• Apprenticeship is hands on training for people who enjoy learning by doing and want to work in a skilled trade.
• Apprentices are paid while gaining work experience, and their wages increase with their level of skill.
• Training provides access to well paying jobs in the skills trades that demand a high level of skill, judgment, and creativity.
• As a certified skilled worker, your knowledge can lead to a wide range of opportunities in different parts of Canada and US.