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 TrainingAnother busy year ahead (December 2007) By Brad Randall, Training Plan Administrator As the end of 2007 approaches, we can look back on one of the busiest years yet with over 440 apprentices and trainees employed through the Training Plan. Looking ahead to 2008, we expect this trend to continue. Our contractors remain busy with many expanding their workforces to contend with the huge volume of work. Along with the retirement of members, the construction boom in B.C. has created many new employment opportunities and an increased demand for training. One of the challenges facing the Training Plan is recruitment and we find ourselves competing with all sectors of industry for the right people. An aging workforce The largest component of the current construction workforce is comprised of baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, with the average age being 47. Within the next decade many of these boomers will be retiring, some even enjoying the benefits of early retirement thanks to the Operating Engineers Pension Plan. However, they will take with them their years of experience, knowledge and skills. The Training Plan will play a crucial role in recruitment, training and retention of skilled workers in the years to come. Tool Allowance The Operating Engineers Tool Allowance provides reimbursement for tool expenditures for heavy duty mechanics, servicemen, millwrights and welders. To qualify, you must: • be a member in good standing • be dispatched in the trade for which you are applying • have worked a minimum of 250 hours between Sept. 1, 2006 and Aug. 31, 2007 • have worked for an employer who contributed to this fund Applications were sent out to qualifying members in the first week of October and the deadline for submissions is Dec. 31, 2007. If you qualify for this allowance but have not received your application, or have any questions, please contact the Training Plan at 604-299-7764. Annual pensioners banquet As a trustee of both the pension and benefits plans, I had the pleasure of attending the recent pensioners banquet. This year, it was held at the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver. It was great to see the retirees, having contributed so much to the organization over the years, now enjoying their hard-earned pensions, getting together with old work mates and reminiscing about the jobs they worked on in the past. Once again, Brother Lionel Railton, administrator of the Pension and Benefits Plans, and his staff did a great job organizing this event. On behalf of the training plan staff and your Board of Trustees, I would like to wish all members and their families a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, safe and prosperous New Year. |
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