For Immediate Release, April 11, 2005
Canadore Nominee Ontario Northland Wins Provincial Award
Canadore College congratulates the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (Ontario Northland; ONTC) on receiving a 2004 Provincial Apprenticeship Employer Recognition Award for Excellence in Apprenticeship Training from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The College put forth a nomination for ONTC in January for this provincial award, which recognizes employers that are building an economy based on high skills and high standards through their support of the apprenticeship training system. ONTC President and CEO Steve Carmichael was on hand to receive the award at a ceremony held in Toronto on April 6, 2005.
“We are extremely proud of this recognition,” said Carmichael. “Ontario Northland’s most valuable resource is our employees and that is why we support programs such as apprenticeships and why we will continue to strive to improve these programs in the future.”
Ontario Northland offers apprenticeship opportunities in eight different trades: electrician, railway car mechanic, heavy duty equipment mechanic, pipefitter, boilermaker, tinsmith, upholsterer and painter. The company, which has offered apprenticeship training opportunities for more than 50 years, currently employs six apprentices - three electrician and three heavy duty equipment mechanic apprentices.
In partnership with one of its unions, Canadian Autoworkers Union Local 103, Ontario Northland has negotiated standards of apprenticeship within the collective agreement, and the two operate a joint apprenticeship committee, responsible for ensuring full apprenticeship standards.
“Canadore is delighted that Ontario Northland has been recognized with this award,” stated Barbara Taylor, President of Canadore College. “Ontario Northland continually demonstrates their commitment to promoting apprenticeship opportunities to its employees and as well, to working with external agencies, First Nations and community groups in promoting careers in the skilled trades and training through apprenticeship.”
In addition to their commitment as employers, Ontario Northland works with Canadore College, its local MTCU Apprenticeship Branch, LTAB and local OYAP Coordinators to promote skilled trades and apprenticeship opportunities in high schools, job fairs and other presentations.
Canadore would also like to congratulate another local winner, J.N. Precise, which was nominated by YES Employment, for their significant contribution and support to apprenticeship. Having two local companies honoured for this award, clearly demonstrates North Bay is making an impact in apprenticeship training in northern Ontario.
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