Moulding the future: Earn-while-you-learn program gives new meaning to 'home grown talent'

摘要

Mike Ouellette recently received a phone call from a concerned father. "Sir, my son just finished grade 12 and wants to be a welder," the man said. "And the best offer we can find is a seven-month training program that will cost us $14,000. Someone gave me your name..." Understandably, word has spread about what Ouellette, skilled trades training coordinator, is offering at Valiant Machine & Tool Inc.'s Training and Development Centre. The training costs nothing. In fact it pays - $12 an hour plus benefits. The Windsor, Ont.-based "Earn While You Learn" program offers specialized training for machine operating, welding, robot programming and other metalworking skills. In less than four years it has become a unique, sought-after alternative to traditional apprenticeship programs.