INTRODUCTION TO MECHANICAL TRADES PROGRAM THOMPSON

Overview

Northern Manitoba Sector Council (NMSC) is continuously looking at creating feeder systems into the Northern Trades shortage. This program was to create opportunities for Northern people to build capacity to get into the trade programs in Manitoba or secure employment.
In collaboration with UCN, Area 55, the Northern Manitoba Sector Council (NMSC) coordinated the development and delivery of Industry Introduction to mechanical trades program which was a paid training program funded by the NMSC. Passport to Employment at Area 55, in Thompson, MB for 9 participants from Thompson, Wabowden and one participant from Island Lake, Manitoba. Successful participants of this program would attend a graduation ceremony and a meet and greet with potential employers from Thompson.
Program planning and development began early May of 2024. During this initial meeting, UCN, and the NMSC met to discuss moving forward with this project. This meeting identified the many different aspects of this project including qualifications that applicants will have to possess to be accepted into this program, as well as the program expectations.
UCN worked at reducing costs and making sure the project moved forward with the barriers that arose during the planning and training program. This program was also to get the shop set-up for September for UCN Level one Heavy Duty program that was happening in September, and this was accomplished.

Pre-Program

NMSC coordinator surveyed Thompson businesses for future employment and advised of them of the upcoming Intro to Mechanical program. All surveyed business were interested in graduates.
Program/Project to Consist of the following:
Start date of July 15, 2024
One (1) week of Essential Skills Training, Life Skills provided by MBTI. Training took place @ Northern Sector Council training room in Thompson.
Four (4) weeks of hands on and technical training and shop safety at Area 55
Successful completion and awards night with meet and greet with potential employers (Smook Contracting, Manitoba Hydro, Parsons Sales and Service.)

Over 20 applications were received. Calem Ross, Glenn Laycock, and Kunal Mahajan (NMSC) went through each their application in detail. During this time, I went around to potential employers and asked for their feedback and what they would expect from potential employees. Feedback received from all employers all strongly recommend candidates to have driver’s license. We were then left with approximately 13 applicants that would move onto the next stage of recruitment. UCN has improved their application process that helped in the application process.
During the week of June 27th, 2024, 12 applicants out of 20 contacted, 12 confirmed for interview.
During the week of July 3rdh, 2024 3 individuals didn’t show up for the interview. All 9 applicants that were interviewed were then selected and notified that they had been selected to attend the Introduction to Mechanical Trades Program.

Final

We initially started this project with 9 participants, 7 males and 2 females. During the last week we lost 1 participant for personal reasons. During the first week 1 student continuously showed up late, the mentor spoke with them assessed the situation and the problem was corrected. 8 students completed the project successfully. All 8 students received certificates from UCN.
• 1 indigenous female was hired on at Smooks immediately.
• 1 male student was starting at twin motors shortly after.
• 1 male student was going to community futures when completed to inquire about funding to start his own mechanic business.
• 1 female was discussing with Custom Helicopter and Alliances program for future training.
• 2 males signed up for UCN Intro to Industry trades program in September.
• 1 continued in his job in the Mining field and was hoping to use this certificate to get into the Trades program with Hudbay Minerals his employer.
• 1 male from Island Lake went back to community to work at a shop.
Life skills took place at NMSC office in Thompson, One week. The remainder of the course took place at area 55 Thompson airport. Students gained good relationships and carpooled out to the airport together. The mentor also offered ride services.

Graduation ceremonies took place August 16th, 2024. Graduation ceremonies consisted of a small ceremony at area 55. A handful of employers were also invited out for the ceremony, Parson’s sales and service, Manitoba hydro and Smooks contracting attended. Students brought their resumes to hand out to the employers. NMSC supplied pizzas. After the ceremony UCNs New Heavy-Duty shop was shown off to the employers as this is where this class took place and was a huge part of getting the classroom ready for the new heavy-duty course taking place in Thompson.