New, free construction program to help those displaced from their current jobs due to COVID-19

NEWS RELEASE
SAULT COMMUNITY CAREER CENTRE
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Calling all construction sector apprenticeship seekers, current apprentices, journeyperson trainers, and employers! The Sault Community Career Centre and Sault Ste. Marie Construction Association are excited to announce the launch of the Construction Apprenticeship Support Program (CASP), starting June 14, 2021. 

CASP is a free program that provides individualized career planning services and access to training, resources, and funding for all parties involved in the construction apprenticeship system.

Support for Apprenticeship Seekers & Apprentices

CASP will support apprenticeship seekers and apprentices to begin and/or successfully complete an apprenticeship in the local construction sector. The program will ensure that participants are in the best possible position to succeed.

To assist apprenticeship seekers, CASP will provide access to trades-based vocational aptitude pre-assessments, access to in-demand trade apprenticeship market information, education on the various pathways to enter apprenticeships and apprenticeship completion strategies. It will ensure that apprenticeship seekers have the tools and strategies needed to set themselves up for long-term success.

To assist apprentices, CASP will deliver wrap-around supports not commonly available through trades schools such as mental health supports, guidance on managing a successful construction career, how to better yourself as an apprentice, and advice on dealing with potential lay-offs. 

It will also better prepare apprentices to complete their certification exams and support different learning strategies. CASP will support women, Indigenous construction apprentices, and those starting construction apprenticeships after being displaced from their current jobs due to COVID-19.

Free supports include:

• Apprenticeship information sessions
• Access to an apprenticeship resource lending library
• Industry-specific professional development workshops
• Mental health supports
• Exam preparation supports and related workshops
• Access to peer mentors

Support for Employers, Apprentice Sponsors, and Journeyperson Trainers

CASP will provide local construction-sector employers, apprentice sponsors, and journeyperson apprentice trainers with the information, tools and strategies needed to successfully train and retain apprentices. It will improve access to information, programs, and services, build on the apprenticeship system’s current strengths, and assist in developing a system that provides end-to-end supports for apprentices and employers to maximize the system’s potential.

Free supports include:

• Apprenticeship information sessions
• Apprentice matching services
• Financial incentives for qualifying employers
• Journeyperson mentorship training workshops
• Access to local, provincial and federal resources
• Access to peer mentors

Construction sector apprenticeship seekers, current apprentices, journeyperson trainers, and employers can contact Beth Lacher, CASP Program Manager, at 705.759.0909 ext. 4231 or [email protected] for more information or to participate in the program. 

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