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 TrainingNew mobile crane instructor (June 2008) By Brad Randall, Training Plan Administrator Staff changes I would like to welcome Brother Trevor Rowse to the staff of the Training Plan. Brother Rowse has been hired as our new mobile crane instructor. He completed his mobile crane apprenticeship through the Training Plan and has been working as a crane operator for Sterling Crane in Kamloops. Trevor is the son of Brother Barry Rowse who is also a crane operator and shop steward with Sterling Crane in Kamloops. Trevor, like his dad, is a very strong supporter of the Training Plan and the Local Union and we look forward to working with him. Trevor replaces Brother Jeff Klynsoon. Jeff did a great job for the plan and we wish him all the best. Training equipment The Training Plan has purchased several new and used pieces of equipment. We traded in an excavator and loader and purchased new ones. We added a new rubber tired roller and double steel roller and purchased a used articulating rock truck. We are also putting together a 16-foot Wells Cargo trailer that will be fitted with 3 equipment simulators. This new trailer will be taken to various career fairs and events such as the Heavy Metal Rocks program in Prince George and Kelowna. We feel this will be a positive marketing and recruitment tool for the Training Plan and the Local Union. Heavy equipment operator program The Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) program is for a new apprenticeship designated by the Industry Training Authority (ITA). The in-school technical training component of the apprenticeship consists of both theory and practical instruction covering six pieces of heavy equipment: dozer, articulating rock truck, backhoe, loader, excavator and grader. The practical training component is limited to the dozer, rock truck, loader and excavator. This apprenticeship varies from the traditional hour-based model by including both the logging of practical equipment seat time and the need to achieve specified competencies. Hours logged under direct supervision as well as the demonstration of competencies are recorded in program specific logbooks issued to the apprentices at the conclusion of in-school training. Along with specific competencies determined for each piece of equipment, the following seat time hours must be logged: • dozer—200 hours • articulating rock truck—200 hours • backhoe—200 hours • loader—300 hours • excavator—400 hours • grader—600 hours Apprentices completing all program requirements are issued a B.C. Certificate of Qualification with endorsements on one or more pieces of heavy equipment. The Training Plan delivered one HEO training pilot and four field tests in 2007 and received ITA approval and funding for another intake of students which was delivered in April. The Training Plan has also submitted a proposal to deliver this program on an ongoing basis with 5 intakes per year. HEO Program Challenge Now that the HEO program has moved forward from the pilot phase, a challenge process has been established for incumbent operators. For the first time, the knowledge, skills and abilities of journeyperson heavy equipment operators are being recognized with the designation of the trade by the ITA. An application package is available through the Training Plan for qualified equipment operators who wish to receive trade designation. This package consists of forms which must be completed by both the operator and the employer, attesting to equipment experience (time in the trade) and competency. In order to qualify, the operator must have a minimum of 150% of the hours required for each piece of equipment (example: dozer—200 hours X 150% = 300 hours). The cost to challenge is $120. B.C. Certificate of Qualification or Equivalency In order to receive a Certificate of Qualification, operators who have sufficient time in the trade must successfully complete the program examination, supervised by the ITA. Even though the operator may be applying for only one or two equipment endorsements, the examination covers all six pieces of equipment. An examination study guide will be made available through the Training Plan for a cost of $35. Exams may be written in Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Chilliwack, Prince George, Vernon or Victoria. The certificate is required for all operators wishing to instruct the HEO apprenticeship program. Those operators who fail the exam may rewrite at a cost of $100, or are issued a B.C. Certificate of Equivalency (with equipment endorsements). This ITA policy recognizes that experienced and capable operators may be unable to pass a written exam yet remain competent and qualified. Operators who wish to receive trade designation without writing the final exam must submit the challenge application to the ITA for assessment. Eligible operators will be issued a Certificate of Equivalency. This certification enables the journeyperson to sign off on HEO apprentice competencies. M.L. PARR Award The M.L. Parr Award is presented annually to the Heavy Duty Mechanic Apprentice who achieves the highest marks upon completing the four-year apprenticeship and obtaining a Red Seal, Interprovincial Trade Qualification Certificate. This award, established in 1980, is named for Brother Mike Parr, who first joined the Operating Engineers Local 115 in 1948 and later served the union as a business representative in 1952. Brother Parr was elected business manager in 1963 and remained in that position until his retirement in 1980. The recipient of this prestigious award is presented with a small plaque and a cheque for $300 and has their name put on a larger plaque that hangs in the Training Plan office. It gives me great pleasure to announce that the award for the Top Heavy Duty Mechanic Apprentice for 2007 went to Brother Mark Hooge. Brother Hooge works in Burnaby for Traxxon Rock Drills which is part of the Pacific Group of Companies. Congratulations Mark. Annual Open House / Heavy Equipment Rodeo I look forward to seeing everyone at our Annual Open House on Saturday, June 21 at our Maple Ridge Training Site. For more information, please call the Training Plan or see the notice in this publication. See you there. Work safely. |
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