APPRENTICESHIP
SATCC staff members will not be shutting
down entire job sites, only stopping the
work of apprentices in compulsory trades
who are working without supervision.
has the necessary training to perform high-quality work. When it comes to
designating occupations, industry will lead the way.
The amendment giving the SATCC the ability to designate trades, subtrades
or occupations for “certification only” means an additional path
forward for certification, where no other pathway exists. There are trades
that are designated and in high demand elsewhere in Canada, but not in
Saskatchewan. This change will give Saskatchewan workers a way to certify
in these trades. “Certification only” also means the SATCC could administer
a certification exam without developing or delivering a corresponding
training program.
The authority to issue stop work orders if, during on-site inspections of
compulsory trades, there is no journeyperson present at the worksite, helps
ensure the safety of apprentices, other workers and consumers. (There are
five compulsory trades in Saskatchewan: construction electrician; plumber;
refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic; sheet metal worker; and
sprinkler fitter.)
It also helps provide quality assurance for customers. Apprentices in compulsory
trades need to be supervised to ensure work is completed properly.
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This change also promotes market fairness. A business that employs only
apprentices in the compulsory trades would be able to bid for jobs at a
lower price than companies that are complying with the legislation, since
they are able to pay lower wages.
The stop work order applies only to apprentices who are working in
compulsory trades and lasts only for the period of time the apprentice remains
unsupervised. As soon as a journeyperson is on site, work can resume.
Also, SATCC staff members will not be shutting down entire job
sites, only stopping the work of apprentices in compulsory trades who are
working without supervision.
The SATCC has always regulated the apprenticeship system of training
through regular workplace inspections. However, the Commission previously
did not have the authority to stop work, only the ability to issue a notice
of non-compliance.
Before making these changes, the SATCC performed extensive stakeholder
consultations with the Commission Board; the Trade Boards;
post-secondary institutions; and industry associations, including the
Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association. The SATCC heard overwhelming
support for these amendments.
The SATCC is working to develop the necessary processes and
procedures to ensure the successful implementation of these legislative
changes.
If you have questions about anything contained in the new Act and
Regulations, please contact the SATCC’s chief operating officer,
Dave Peters, at 306-787-2440 or dave.peters@gov.sk.ca.
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