MANITOBA | REGIONAL NEWS

BUDDY UP

Manitoba is reinstating its one-to-one apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio as of Oct. 30, though collision centres may apply for exemption to keep the two-to-one ratio via the Automotive Trades Association (ATA) of Manitoba.

“We’re happy to assist shops through this change and help them find the resources they need to hopefully run their business with minimal disruption,” ATA of Manitoba President Norm Bruneau told Collision Repair mag.

Existing apprenticeship agreements may continue if employers have been permitted to have journeypersons supervise more than one apprentice; apprentices actively demonstrate continued progress; and if journeypersons do not take on additional apprentices.

Economic Development Minister Jamie Moses says the switch back to the one-to-one ratio aims to promote safety and better training. “Proper skills and supervision are necessary, and that’s part of what will ensure workers come home safely at the end of the day,” said Moses.