Ready for Hire

Graduates and instructors of Local 1 SK’s Pre-Trade Training Course. Front row, from left, Dion Bellegarde, Michael Kahnapace, John Cyr, Steven Miller, Joe Dieno, Instructor Michael Weigl, Shawn McNab, Bradley Goodpipe, Kenneth R. Grant, and President Clarence Medernach. Back row, from left, Justin Langan, Todd Wolfe, Robert Severight, and Joseph Redwood. Not pictured – Jonathan Desnomie.

Several months ago, the Journal reported on efforts by Local 1 Saskatchewan Business Manager Clarence Medernach to establish a Pre-Trade Bricklayer Training Program to facilitate the entry of First Nation/Aboriginals into the masonry industry. Although roughly half of the province’s population is comprised of First Nation/Aboriginals, they represent only a small proportion of the construction workforce. Attracting more recruits from this pool of workers has been a goal of the building trades. Realizing the potential of this workforce, Local 1 Saskatchewan spent two years developing the Pre-Trade program. Today, Medernach is proud not only of the program’s progress, but prouder still of its first 12 graduates. “Their work and determination made the effort that went into establishing the program worth it, and I thank them for aiding in its success.”

Trainees learn the necessary skills to enter into today's masonry industry. From left, Joseph Redwood, Steven Miller, and Kenneth R. Grant, owner of Steinhubl's Masonry, Ed Steinhubl, and John Cyr.

Local 1 partnered with the First Nations Employment Centre (FNEC) in Regina to design the 14-week program delivered through the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology’s (SIAST) Wascana campus. The course includes safety training, cultural awareness, first term apprentice curriculum, and five weeks of hands-on craft training.

FNEC wants to continue its partnership with Local 1 and is applying for multi-year funding in the amount of $400,000 (CN) per year. If the fund is granted, Phase I of the program will include two more bricklayer pre-trade courses and two bricklayer helper courses to be completed by the end of June 2006.