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Regulatory changes that came into effect recently and restored the 1:1 apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio in Manitoba are being lambasted by commercial contractors and suppliers but lauded by the building trades.

The Apprenticeship and Certification General Regulation has been changed to set the ratio at one apprentice for every journeyperson, down from the 2:1 ratio that had been in effect. Under the new system, journeypersons will only be able to mentor one apprentice as opposed to two under the old rules.

The provincial government and the building trades maintain the change will increase safety and proper oversight for apprentices and ensure they receive high-quality supervision throughout their training program, but employers argue it will limit the number of new apprentices and result in fewer job opportunities.

The Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA) is warning the move will have profound negative impacts both for apprentices and the construction industry as it will limit opportunities for aspiring tradespeople. The ratios are in place for all of Manitoba’s 55 designated trades, including both voluntary and compulsory trades.

“Manitoba’s construction industry provides stable, high-paying jobs and develops skills for young people across Manitoba,” explains WCA president Ron Hambley. “This is a disappointing decision by the provincial government.

“It will restrict access to apprenticeship programs, denying many young Manitobans the opportunity to learn a trade and build a successful career.”

An earlier survey of WCA member companies showed 80 per cent indicated they’d reduce the number of apprentices hired should the ratio change back to 1:1. Sixty-three per cent said they’d be forced to lay off apprentices.

The WCA maintains the 2:1 ratio is better because it allows more hands-on training for apprentices and facilitates the entry of more young men and women into careers in the trades, while the regression to a 1:1 radio will effectively halve the number of apprentices each journeyperson can mentor, significantly reducing the number of new apprentices entering the program.

Employers had been expecting the news. Premier Wab Kinew made it clear in the run-up to the last election that he intended to change the ratio. 

The provincial government held a consultation period about the change that closed at the end of August. So far, the results of the consultation have not been made public.

The WCA wants the results released and is asking the government to rethink its decision. Hambley says the association is committed to working with the provincial government to find solutions that support both the industry’s growth and the career aspirations of Manitoba’s youth.

“Considering the magnitude of this decision, and in the name of transparency and openness, we think the public and the industry have the right to see the results of those consultations, he says. “We urge the government to reconsider this decision and to genuinely consult with industry stakeholders to develop policies that enhance, rather than restrict, the apprenticeship system.”

The ratio has been an issue of contention in Manitoba for more than 20 years. The 1:1 ratio was established in response to the 1999 death of Michael Skanderberg, who was killed on the job while working unsupervised. In 2020, the provincial PC government changed the ratio to 2:1 for all trades. In the run-up to the last election, the NDP declared it would restore the 1:1 ratio.

Building trades leaders have been supportive of the change.

Dave McPhail, business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 2085, says the local strongly opposed the 2:1 ratio “because for someone training to be an electrician, proper supervision can be a matter of life and death.

“Restoring the ratio to 1:1 means that this government is serious about building Manitoba with highly skilled, properly trained Red Seals.”

Tanya Palson, executive director of the Manitoba Building Trades, also applauded the ratio change, noting it will help ensure young people who enter a training program are supported throughout the apprenticeship.

Cindy Skanderberg, mother of Michael Skanderberg, said in a statement she is fully supportive of the government’s move to restore the ratio to 1:1.

“Every day I will fight to keep Manitoba workers safe. This will save lives.”

The new ratio came into effect Oct. 30. Other regulatory changes have also been introduced to modernize the apprenticeship system to reduce administrative burdens and improve Manitoba’s competitiveness with other Canadian jurisdictions.

The change will not affect those already in training. Existing apprenticeship agreements can continue on three conditions: if employers have been permitted to have journeypersons supervise more than one apprentice; apprentices actively demonstrate continued progress in their program under pre-existing employment agreements; and journeypersons do not take on additional apprentices.

In a statement, the Manitoba government said it appreciates that a transition period will be necessary for employers shifting to the 1:1 ratio requirement. Employers who can not employ enough journeypersons to meet the new ratio requirement could apply for an adjustment that would permit them to use a 2:1 ratio for a limited time based on demonstrated need or they could employ designated trainers, who are experienced tradespersons without journeyperson certification, to supervise and train an apprentice.