May 11, 2009
NEW: Bill 26 - The Apprenticeship Certification Act
On April 27, 2009, the Government introduced Bill 26 - The Apprenticeship Certification Act which will replace the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualification Act. This is a significant piece of legislation and reflects some of the recommendations made by the Apprenticeship Futures Commission in 2008.
The proposed new legislation will:
- Clarify the purpose of the Act. The dual role of promotion and enforcement has been problematic so the bill moves some of the enforcement provisions to Labour/Employment Standards and brings back to Apprenticeship some of the testing/examination responsibilities. For the eight Compulsory Trades, enforcement of ratios, wages, etc. becomes an employment standards issue (as opposed to a quality of training issue) and the Employment Standards Branch will be empowered to intervene. For voluntary trades, the new legislation takes the position that issues related to ratios and wages are “training quality issues” and the recourse is the termination of the apprenticeship agreement with the employer.
- The Apprenticeship Board will no longer have a role in establishing or recommending new compulsory trades. The Board will have a role to play in designating new “occupations.” Designated “occupations” may have training and examination requirements but do not have the ability to employ apprentices.
- The Board will now have to prepare and submit an annual strategic plan to the Minister.
- The Bill will require the Board to set up four standing committees: Governance (planning, annual report, Board evaluations), Community Liaison (assists those groups that want to approach the Board), Nominating Standing Committee (not for the Board but to maintain lists for the PAC’s), and Program Standards (to respond to changes in trades).
- Provincial Advisory Committee’s will replace the PTAC’s. PAC’s will be established for designated occupations as well.
- A senior level apprentice will be added as a permanent Board position.
- Add provisions for fee setting and clarification of appeals procedures.
Bill 26 - The Apprenticeship Certification Act - pdf
Important Apprenticeship Regulation Changes to Trade of Plumber
Effective January 8, 2009, the Trade of Plumber Regulation has been significantly changed, with the number of apprenticeship years decreasing from five to four, and the apprenticeship wage rates adjusting accordingly. For the complete regulation, as well as the regulation update change, please review the links below.
Trade of Plumber - Regulation Update
WCA Education - LEED for Sub-Contractors
NEW! LEED for Sub-Contractors -- ***FULL / SOLD OUT! ***
Understanding the Paperwork and Getting it Right!
Dates: May 19 or May 26, 2009
Thank you for the great response!
Future dates TBA
Manitoba Honours Highest-Achieving Apprentices and Their Employers
The 2008 top-achieving apprenticeship graduates were honoured at a special awards ceremony and reception on Friday, April 24, 2009.
The 17th annual apprenticeship Highest Achievement Awards ceremony and reception honoured 34 of Manitoba’s top new journeypeople and their employers. The ceremony also recognized a variety of other achievements through special recognition awards such as the Ron Krishka Memorial Award given to the trades qualifier with the highest standing on the certification exam.
Winnipeg Construction Association participated in the Special Award Category, presenting a gift certificate towards tools to the top apprentice in the trade of Carpentry, Anna Hargreaves. Hargreaves apprenticed at Christie/Hamilton Construction in West Hawk Lake.
Construction Blueprint Reading – INTRODUCTION
Two-day course: May 13 – 14, 2009
Registration Deadline: May 4, 2009
Gold Seal Credit: 2 points (WCA)
Unsure where to find information? This course is an overview of commercial construction drawings for buildings, with a focus on architectural and structural content, but including an overview of mechanical and electrical drawings. Also included will be an introduction to the Project Manual (Specifications).
Fee: $370
Project Scheduling With MS Project 2007 (Level 1)
Two-day course: May 20 – 21, 2009
Registration Deadline: May 8, 2009
Gold Seal Credit: 2 Points (WCA)
This course is introductory in nature and is intended for individuals in the design and construction industries. Learn the theory of critical path project scheduling and use Microsoft Project 2007 to schedule projects, assign resources and track project progress. Previous computer experience is essential, preferably with Microsoft Office applications.
Fee: $370
Construction Career Expo: WISH US LUCK! 
Everything is in place for the 2009 Manitoba Construction Career on Tuesday, May 12, 2009. With over 800 students registered to attend the Expo, we look forward to this event being a success!
Thank you for joining forces with us to show students how profitable, fulfilling and fun a career in construction can be!
Gold Seal Online Training 
Communication, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Objectives: This course is designed to help improve the written, oral and negotiating skills for estimators, superintendents and project managers who must deal effectively and professionally with employees, sub-trades, owners, clients, engineers and their employees. This course is self-paced and is approximately 8 hours in length.
WCA Member Fee: $90.00 + GST
Construction Project Management
Objectives: This course is designed for project managers, superintendents and estimators. The course covers business case development, procurement, contracting, risk management and project close-out.
WCA Member Fee: $90.00 + GST
Construction Law
Objectives: This course will provide managers with the tools to help them understand construction contracts, write contracts, identify simple errors in construction contracts, understand the process claim and learn to solve construction disputes effectively. A final mark of 75 per cent is required in order to receive a certificate of completion.
WCA Member Fee: $90.00 + GST
For more information, visit www.goldsealcertification.com or contact Kelly Thiessen, Gold Seal Administrator, Winnipeg Construction Association, at kellythiessen@winnipegconstruction.ca or 775-8664 x 2225.