By: Gunther Arndt.

Gunther Arndt. — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 22:41:14 +0000

I like to voice my opinion on how totally wrong the people for education are. I come to Canada as a 16 year old with my parents in 1964 from Berlin Germany. I had finished grade 9 the grade required to enter the trades there. I then had 1 year as a Machine mechanic apprentice. I was recognized with a Canadian grade 10 equivalent. With that I was allowed to start a plumber apprenticeship. A 5 year program with two 10 weeks at George Brown College. I received a 6 month credit by passing the College program with honours, my poor English at the time held held me back from getting 1st class honours. But never the less I still received the red seal certification. I was just halfway through my 20th when I became a journeyman plumber. I did not stop there, through my Union I tock welding classes and be came a high pressure pipe welder. Then a Forman and general Forman on multi million dollar jobs with many Niagara Mechanical companies. At 55 with my wife we started our own Mechanical business, primarily in the wine Industry. I raised two girls 1 is a teacher, the other one I had with my second wife graduated with a honours History BA ,and be for that a 4 year College Corse in museum studies. Neither has a cent owing to any one at graduation. I’m comfortable retired with my wife and contribute it all to being a tradesman all my life. The trades in Europe are administered by their education systems, are shorter as well, apprentices work and learn on the job 4 days and go to trade school for 1 day every week. Many governments have gone to study the programs in Germany and England, they are basically the same. But no one ever realized there findings. I am still a member of the United Association of Plumbers Steamfitters and Welders, retired. This advocacy group needs to get there head out of the sand. Canada is millions of trades people short and they are trying to hinder a solution with meddling, where there is real support needed to overcome this incredible shortage. At 75 looking back of my achievements in my chosen trade, I have but great satisfaction off my accomplishments. Thanks for letting me voice my opinion on this subject.

Comments on: Advocacy report knocks Ontario’s early apprenticeship plan

By: Gunther Arndt.