Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 95 Director of Government and Community Relations Brother Adam Melnick was recently appointed to serve as a youth advisor to the Ontario Government.
As the cost of college continues to climb, more people are starting to consider an alternative to university.
In order to help Canada’s youth consider a career in the building trades, Brother Melnick will show them apprenticeships are a viable path to a comfortable middle class lifestyle.
A career in the building trades, specifically as a member of the Insulators Union, provides men and women with good wages and excellent retirement plans.
The position is one of three established as part of an Ontario Government initiative to expand youth training options and expose young people to different employment opportunities, rather than the traditional college option after high school.
According to Ontario Construction News, the $43 million is spread across three separate investments.
About $5 million will go to Skills Ontario. This represents an increase of $3.5 million to introduce and expose elementary and secondary school students to the trades.
Roughly $17 million will be provided to the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, so representatives can visit high schools and teach students about the trades. This funding will also help apprentices, who are still seeking an Ontario Secondary School diploma.
The final prong of funding is $21 million earmarked for Ontario’s pre-apprenticeship program. The free work placement and training program exposes students and graduates to the trades.
Local 95 Business Manager David Gardner is proud of Melnick and his new appointment according to Ontario Construction News.
“Local 95 is proud to congratulate Melnick on his appointment to this innovative position,” Gardner said. “This announcement is a big step forward in making students and young people aware that the trades offer good jobs and fulfilling careers. We look forward to a positive impact and growth within our industry, as our younger generations become more aware and knowledgeable on the importance of the trades.”