Editor’s Note: compiled by Chris Skalkos, editor, Glass Canada magazine.
The Canadian Glass Association (CGA) held an executive board meeting in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on May 5th. Glass Canada’s deadline for the June issue was one week before this meeting so the CGA asks members to read the next issue of Glass Canada magazine for a full report on the meeting and CGA activities.
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| The Glass Trades Association of Northern Alberta (GTA) executive board (from left): second vice-president, Michael Mancini from Century Glass Ltd.; secretary, Wayne Brandt from Kawneer Canada; past-president, Rick Zuchetto from U.S. Aluminum of Canada; treasurer, Joe Millard from Bahry’s Glass (1983) Ltd.; president, Ross Wady from All Glass Parts Ltd.; first vice-president, Michael Czernick from AFG Glass. |
There were a few items on the CGA agenda that will address some current issues. They include registering the glazing trade with provincial or federal governments, attracting students to the glazing trades, increasing contact with the autoglass sector and an investigation into energy surcharges for flat glass products. Watch for a full CGA newsletter report in the next issue.
In the meantime, some of the provincial glass associations have sent a report and a group photo to introduce themselves to the rest of the industry.
Free tuition for B.C. glazing apprenticeship program
The Glazing Contractors Association of British Columbia (GCA) has responded to the glazing industry demanding help to bring new talent to the industry.
A major shortage of glass and aluminum technicians has prompted the association to create a modular based program where individuals can be employment ready in just six weeks.
“This is Canada’s first Glazier training program that offers a pre-employment training module that will create entry level work for individuals in fabricating, manufacturing, installation and services,” says Victoria Schifferns, executive director of the GCA of British Columbia. “Glazing employment is expected to increase by an average of 1.9 percent per year compared to 1.4 percent for all jobs in the province.”
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| The Provincial Glaziers Association of Alberta (PGAA) board of directors (left to right): Henry Szewczyk, Cascade Aqua-Tech, PGAA treasurer; Stephen Hargrove, Wescom Glass & Aluminum, PGAA past-president; Tom Woodman, Capilano Glass (2000), PGAA president; Eric Johnson, All-West Glass, PGAA director, autoglass north; Rob Pederson, AFG, PGAA director, south; Dwayne Stolz, Leyden’s Glass, PGAA secretary; and Keith Pynoo, Kawneer Company Canada, CGA past-president. Absent from photograph: Morry Hunt, Windriver Glass, PGAA 1st vice-president; Steve Petersen, Automated Entrance Systems, PGAA director; Brent Harder, Ferguson Glass, GAMA president; Ross Wady, All Glass Parts, GTA president; and Dave Edwards, SAIT, program co-ordinator construction department. |
“Glaziers typically work in construction on everything from houses to high-rises,” says Boris Sawicky, president of the GCA. “They can also be found replacing vehicle windshields, manufacturing window and wall systems, or creating custom glass displays.”
“We are getting inquiries from all across Canada. Glazing companies are begging for trained individuals to help deal with all the opportunities they are turning down due to an immense shortage of labour in the industry,” adds Schifferns.
The glazing apprentice returns every year for a six week training course and within four years will have certification. They will then be able to work anywhere in Canada with the Red Seal program.
The first information session was held at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in April. The first six week pre-employment module, offering FREE tuition, started May 8th, 2006 at the BCIT.
Glazing Contractors Association of British Columbia modular based training was developed in partnership with the Window and Door Manufacturers of British Columbia, the international Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council and other industry representatives. The Glazing Contractors Association of British Columbia is a recognized community of glazing professionals dedicated to providing the highest quality of product possible.
The purpose of the Glazing Contractors Association is to bring together all glazing contractors, glazing suppliers and glazing consultants within the province of British Columbia and to promote the interests of persons, firms or corporations acting as bona fide glazing contractors, glazing suppliers and glazing consultants. For more information visit www.gca-bc.org -end-
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