Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario

Heat Warning Issued for Ontario

Working under extreme heat can cause bodily stress and heat-related illnesses. Drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes and wearing light-coloured clothing are preventative measures when working in such conditions.

Heat Warning Issued Across Ontario

"A prolonged heat event will begin today. Dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected through most of the week.", Environment Canada said in a statement.

Working under extreme heat can cause bodily stress and heat-related illnesses. Construction workers are especially susceptible to direct sunlight and humidity exposure.

Drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes and wearing light-coloured clothing are preventative measures when working in such conditions.

Local 793 operators who are concerned that employers are not taking appropriate steps to help workers avoid heat stroke and exhaustion should contact their business rep.

For more information on how to prepare and recognize heat-related symptoms, visit https://iuoelocal793.org/heat-stress-signs-and-signals-2/

Heat Warning Alert from Environment Canada: https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?onrm19

Drill rig training session with OETIO trainees at the Oakville campus.

Students undergo 40 hours of combined in-class and hands-on training in our field.

There are two drill rig simulators to prepare them with the basics before getting practical experience with the Liebherr LB20 drill rig.

Members are not charged to take the course as long they are in good standing and meet the prerequisites and criteria to complete the training. If you need your drill rig training, register today at www.oetio.com

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Are you interested in becoming an Operating Engineer? For more information, please call the Oakville campus at (905) 469-9299 and the Morrisburg Campus at (613) 543-2911.

Local 793 Indigenous Relations Coordinator Jim Jacobs attended The Chiefs of Ontario Annual Chiefs Assembly and Regional Chief Election on June 11-13, hosted by his home community of Six Nations of the Grand River in Oshweken, ON.

Brother Jacobs was staffing the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) booth, giving assembly attendees a chance to try their hand at the excavator simulator while also providing young Indigenous visitors with information on apprenticeships and training offered by OETIO as well as insight on life as an Operating Engineer.

Pictured with Brother Jacobs at the event is former Six Nations Chief Mark Hill.

Ministry of Labour Trains at OETIO Oakville Campus

Nineteen inspectors from Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) visited the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) facility in Oakville to receive comprehensive training in job site compliance.

During the training session, the Inspector’s Handbook, designed and created by OETIO for MLITSD, was presented and reviewed to provide information about proper safety inspections. The OETIO instructors also showed the inspectors critical areas of inspection on the tower cranes, mobile cranes, and drill rigs. This collaboration aims to ensure that industry standards are met and proper job site compliance is maintained to decrease workplace accidents.

OETIO is a world-class training institute that offers crane operators, heavy equipment operators, and construction safety training programs to support the construction industry.

It's okay not to be okay!

Take care of your family by caring for yourself; part of that is ensuring your mental well-being. Stereotypes and stigma about male masculinity prevent some men from expressing their emotions and reaching out to others.

IUOE Local 793 and Operating Engineers Benefits Administration Corporation (OEBAC) recognize June as Men's Mental Health Awareness Month and acknowledge the importance of seeking help and caring for one's mental state.

As a Local 793 member, your Life and Health Benefits Plan covers you and your families with psychological assessments and other services like behavioural therapy and immediate assistance. Members Health is also available if you need to speak with a doctor anytime.

Visit https://iuoelocal793.org/members/

Here's an opportunity to become an operating engineer!

Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) offers crane operators, heavy equipment operators, and construction safety training programs to enter the in-demand and growing construction industry.

Applying for an OETIO Apprenticeship is easy!

Join our next information session online via ZOOM on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 11 AM. Visit https://oetio.com/info-sessions RSVP your spot today.

Happy Pride Month!

OETIO and International Union Of Operating Engineers, Local 793 are committed to fostering inclusivity, equality, and diversity in the skilled trades sector.

OETIO and International Union Of Operating Engineers, Local 793 celebrate and recognize the contributions, rich heritage, and diverse cultures of the Indigenous peoples of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. Our Union is committed to building strong relationships and advancing reconciliation through inclusivity and equality.

NDP MP of Nunavut Lori Idlout and her family visited the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) Morrisburg campus on Friday, touring the facility and attending the graduation of six Indigenous students.

Welcoming MP Idlout were Rick Kerr (OETIO Executive Director), Steven Schuman (IUOE, Canadian Government Affairs Director), Patrick Campbell (IUOE Canadian Director), Carla St. Louis (OETIO Director of Indigenous Affairs and Marketing), Rod McKenzie (OETIO Training Director Morrisburg), and Greg Runions (OETIO Training Supervisor Morrisburg).

The tour began at the training dome and practical fields of the campus, where MP Idlout watched the Heavy Equipment Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship students complete the field exercises. Here, she met Noah Ottokie, Ruben Dewar, Nolan Kuluguqtuq, Kassandra Akpaliapik, John Hayward, and Peah Natsiapik, the six graduating Indigenous students. With her grandson, Charles, MP Idlout got to experience being inside a CAT 725C articulated haul truck.

Following, MP Idlout was shown the on-campus dormitories and simulator room, where she got hands-on experience trying the heavy equipment simulator, before concluding her day by handing out certificates to the six Indigenous students and congratulating them for achieving this milestone.

The graduates are part of the Qikiqtani Skills and Training for Employment Partnership (Q-STEP) program. Qikiqtani Inuit Assoc (QIA), in partnership with Baffinland Iron Mines, the Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and the Kakivak Association, launched the Inuit employment and training project in 2017. The primary goal of Q-STEP is to increase Inuit employment in industries such as mining in the Qikiqtani Region.

Photo 1: NDP MP of Nunavut Lori Idlout with her grandson, Charles, inside CAT 725C articulated haul truck.

Photo 2: Left to right: Patrick Campbell (IUOE Canadian Director), Najuk Kusugak (Morrisburg Instructor), Rick Kerr (OETIO Executive Director), Noah Ottokie (student), Ruben Dewar (student), Nolan Kuluguqtuq (student), Kassandra Akpaliapik (student), John Hayward (student), Peah Natsiapik (student), Jeff Legge (OETIO Morrisburg Instructor), Lori Idlout (MP Nunavut), Rod McKenzie (OETIO, Training Director Morrisburg), Nala Sagiatook (QIA Program Supervisor, Inuit Training Initiatives), Angie Angrove (QIA Cultural Advisor)

Photo 3: David St. Louis (OETIO Morrisburg Instructor) with Lori Idlout (MP Nunavut) on the simulator.

Photo 4: Left to right: Rod McKenzie (OETIO Training Director Morrisburg), Patrick Campbell (IUOE Canadian Director), Lori Idlout (MP Nunavut), Charles (Lori’s Grandson), Najuk Kusugak (OETIO Morrisburg Instructor), Peah Natsiapik (student), Kassandra Akpaliapik (student), Nolan Kuluguqtuq (student), Noah Ottokie (student), John Hayward (student), Ruben Dewar (student), Jeff Legge (OETIO Morrisburg Instructor)

OETIO is participating in the Hiawatha First Nation and PVNCCDSB (Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District) skilled trades fair for the Indigenous community in Hiawatha. It’s an opportunity to showcase the crane and heavy equipment apprenticeship programs, including the Indigenous pre-apprenticeship program, offered at OETIO’s world-class campuses in Oakville and Morrisburg.

This event is geared towards Indigenous students and highlights the opportunities in the skilled trades sector. Students and families can connect with highly skilled journeypersons and tradespeople from Ontario's over 140 skilled trades in essential industries such as construction, mechanical, electrical, automotive, and manufacturing.

The skilled trades fair is open today, May 23rd, 2024 to Indigenous students from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and the public from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

In the photo are (L-R) Senior IT Specialist Lee Charlebois, OETIO Director of Indigenous Affairs and Marketing Carla St. Louis, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development David Piccini, Business Reps Martin Tasse and Ryan Shelley, and Skills Ontario CEO Ian Howcroft.

Congratulations to our Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario apprentices for placing in this year’s 2024 Skills Ontario Competition for mobile crane operation! The 1st place medal was awarded to David Mullett, while the 2nd and 3rd place were given to Mark Davidson and James Grieves, respectively. Their outstanding display of skills and knowledge at the competition has put them at the top.

The other OETIO mobile crane level 4 apprentices who participated were Dylan Jones, Brian Corkery, John Gawron, Dean Hardiment and Robert Spencer.

Eight OETIO apprentices demonstrated their skills and knowledge at the 2024 Skills Ontario Competition at the Toronto Congress Centre. The apprentices underwent evaluation on several practical exercises such as pre-operational inspection, control operation, post-operation procedures, and efficiency. They also had to complete a written test.

This year’s competing mobile crane level 4 apprentices are Brian Corkery, Mark Davidson, John Gawron, James Grieves, Dean Hardiment, Dylan Jones, David Mullett and Robert Spencer. The judges were Local 793 retirees Vince Prout and Dan Davey.

Also in attendance [second photo, L to R] were Organizer Justin McConnell, Business Rep Dave DeLuca, Senior IT Specialist Lee Charlebois, Director of Marketing and Indigenous Affairs Carla St. Louis, Toronto Area Supervisor Justin O’Neill, OETIO Director of Training and Apprenticeship Jeff Hewitt, OETIO Training Supervisor JP Gregorio, Organizer Connor Paquette, and Indigenous Relations Coordinator Jim Jacobs.

IUOE Local 793 is well-represented at the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day parade, as hundreds of members, staff and their families march along the downtown streets that generations of Operators helped build.

The Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) is taking part in the sixth annual Canadian Concrete Expo at the International Centre in Mississauga. The Expo is an opportunity for OETIO to showcase the concrete pump and crane training/apprenticeship program offered at its world-class campus in Oakville.

The event features more than 350 exhibiting companies from across Canada, the United States and around the globe and is expected to attract more than 8,000 industry attendees.

Seen in the photo are:
(Back Row L-R) Dave Viggiani (OETIO Instructor), Mike Chianello (Local 793 Business Representative), Lee Charlebois (Senior IT Specialist), Rick Kerr (OETIO Executive Director and Local 793 Treasurer), Justin O’Neill (Toronto Area Supervisor and Executive Board member), Joao Gregorio (OETIO Training Supervisor) and Jim Gleadall (OETIO Instructor).

(Front Row L-R) Carla St. Louis (OETIO Director of Marketing and Indigenous Affairs), Jenny Wong (OETIO Junior Executive Assistant), Jeff Hewitt (OETIO Director of Training and Apprenticeship and Executive Board member) and Jordan Glendenning (Local 793 Business Representative and Executive Board member).

OETIO is an approved Training Delivery Agent for the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) providing world-class training and apprenticeship in concrete pump, tower crane, and mobile crane since 1982.

By 2026, one in six Ontario job openings is projected to be in the skilled trades. These jobs are the backbone of the economy, which is why the Ontario government has made substantial investments in training through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program and the Skills Development Fund.

Whether you’re starting your career or interested in a new one, working in the skilled trades can pay well and provide a stable, safe and meaningful career.

Take hold of your future. Build yourself a solid career in the skilled trades.

Learn more at https://www.ontario.ca/page/skilled-trades

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTxikvjanuU

Tomorrow is in your hands (:15) Take hold of your future. Build yourself a solid career in the skilled trades. They’re an in-demand, and rewarding way to earn a good living. Learn more at h...

Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher welcomed David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, for a tour of the Union’s world-class training centre in Oakville. It was the MPP’s first visit to the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) since taking over the ministerial portfolio from Monte McNaughton in September.

Business Manager Gallagher, alongside President Dave Turple, OETIO Executive Director Rick Kerr and Director of Training and Apprenticeship, OETIO Oakville, Jeff Hewitt, was on hand to greet the minister. Other invited guests included Oakville MPP Stephen Crawford, Oakville North-Burlington MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos, Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario Business Manager Marc Arsenault and a host of representatives from every area of the construction industry.

Business Manager Gallagher took the opportunity to stress the importance of rigorous training in making jobsites safer across Ontario, while also expressing his gratitude for the provincial government’s ongoing support for the trades.

“Ontario is one of the safest places in the world to operate a crane and that’s because of training and investment in the trades. Our members have put their hands in their own pockets to support training,” Gallagher said.

“Now we are investing another $25 million to build a training centre to increase capacity. We want to make sure that a lack of investment doesn’t slow the economy by not having the Operating Engineers available to do that work in the future.”

Minister Piccini visited the state-of-the-art simulation room, where OETIO lead instructor Alden Paradise guided him on the mobile crane simulator. The minister then spent time chatting with apprentices in the training yard, where he also tried his hand at operating OETIO’s state-of-the-art concrete pump. The concrete pump was purchased in part with funds made available through the provincial government’s Skills Development Fund.

After being shown the railroad crane brought in by Van-Elle Canada for a new training program launching at OETIO Oakville in the spring, the minister addressed the audience at a reception held in the OE Banquet and Conference Centre.

“Mike and the team here are such strong advocates for you all, so thank you for your leadership and that only makes us better public servants,” Minister Piccini said. “Under this premier and this government, we’re building, and we recognize the important role organized labour plays in building a better Ontario.

“I know that we don’t have an infinite money tree, but I do know that every dollar we spend with you in partnership is taxpayer money well spent.

“Supporting you means we can get the Gordie Howe Bridge built and it means we can build our transit up, which communities like mine need so badly. So, I just want to say thank you because we do need you and we need you to keep challenging us as you have been.”

Before departing, the minister was presented with a model Putzmeister concrete pump to mark his first visit to Local 793 and OETIO.

Watch a video of the visit to OETIO Oakville by Minister David Piccini: https://bit.ly/3OyOhaQ

The Ontario government’s recent overhaul of crane regulations reflects a significant commitment from all partners in the crane sector to keep crane operators and the general public safe says the head of the crane workers union.

The changes include new installation, inspection and record-keeping regulations, some of which have been called for by crane safety advocates since 2008, said Mike Gallagher, business manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793.

“I think they’re very significant changes,” said Gallagher.
“It’s a fairly good overhaul of the regulations. I mean, the real deep dive was done by industry, including employers and the union and engineers.”

To read more, click here:
https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/ohs/2024/01/what-ontarios-crane-regulations-overhaul-means-for-the-industry

What Ontario’s crane regulations overhaul means for the industry - constructconnect.com The Ontario government’s recent overhaul of crane regulations reflects a significant commitment from all partners in the crane sector to keep crane operators and the general public safe says the head of the crane workers union. Various crane-related provisions of O. Reg. 213/91 (Construction Proje...

UPGRADE YOUR SKILLS AT THE IUOE TRAINING CENTER IN CROSBY, TEXAS

Upgrade your skills this winter by enrolling in a training course at the IUOE International Training and Education Center (ITEC) in Crosby, Texas. Upgrading your skills is often the best way to increase wages and improve job security, while also promoting a safer jobsite environment.

There are hundreds of courses offered throughout the year, including: Crane Operations, GPS Machine Control Training and Pipeline Operations.

For a full list of available ITEC courses and to register, visit: https://bit.ly/48p9WKq

As a Local 793 member in good standing, your training, airfare, airport transfers to and from the Training Center, meals, and accommodation expenses are fully covered.

All registration for classes through the ITEC must be completed on their website. Registration must be completed at least one month (4 weeks) in advance of the class you are interested in.

Registration does not mean you are approved. Once your registration is processed you will be notified via email through ITEC whether or not you’ve been approved along with further instruction regarding travel.

Built by IUOE members for members on the outskirts of Houston, ITEC is the largest and most comprehensive training facility for Union operating and stationary engineers in North America.

A visit to OETIO’s Morrisburg training campus left a big impression on Raly Chakarova, the executive director of the Toronto and Area Road Builders Association (TARBA).

Chakarova, who took up her position with the employers’ representative group in September, tried her hand at the controls of a mechanical simulator and watched Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) apprentices being put through their paces in the field during a tour of the facilities on Wednesday.

OETIO Executive Director Rick Kerr, who accompanied Chakarova on her tour alongside Rod McKenzie, Director of Training (OETIO Morrisburg), said, “She was very impressed with the facility and the whole training program. After trying out the mechanical simulator she said she certainly had a greater appreciation for what our operators do!

“It’s so important that industry has a chance to come along and see what we do here and the excellent level of training we offer at OETIO first-hand. It also makes clear Local 793’s commitment to and investment in that training.”

TARBA is the accredited employer bargaining agent representing unionized road building contractors in Board Area 8 (Toronto GTA) and Simcoe County.

(L to R) OETIO Executive Director Rick Kerr, TARBA executive director Raly Chakarova, and Director of Training (OETIO Morrisburg) Rod McKenzie.

To reach Indigenous communities in every corner of Ontario, Local 793 Indigenous Relations Coordinator Jim Jacobs joined the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Information Program (APSIP) on its tour of communities and high schools.

APSIP is a collective of Indigenous recruitment representatives from colleges, universities, and learning institutes in Ontario and Quebec that visits students in their own communities to provide information and practical advice on their options after high school.

“A lot of the schools we visit don’t have the resources to attend some of the large trade shows in the province, so attending and letting the students know about our apprenticeship opportunities and life working in the Union has been well received by the students, teachers, guidance councillors, principals and Indigenous community members,” Brother Jacobs said.

APSIP provides support and assistance to Indigenous learners - from outreach and information through to application, enrolment, and registration.

Visit the APSIP website for more information: https://www.apsip.ca

NEW CRANE SAFETY REGULATIONS BEGIN ON JANUARY 1

Ontario has completed the amendments to O. Reg. 213/91 (Construction Projects) and O. Reg. 420/21 (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act - Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents) under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), to be implemented on January 1st 2024. Many of these changes come from the recommendations of the tower crane regulation review working group, which IUOE Local 793 and OETIO took part in.

Beginning January 2024, tower and mobile cranes are required to meet the CSA-Z248 and CAS-Z150 standards, which is the highest standard for Crane Safety in Canada.

Some of these changes include clarifying or adding new design, installation, maintenance, inspection, and record-keeping requirements; requiring comprehensive inspections of tower cranes.

Changes to O. Reg. 420/21 (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act - Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents) under the OHSA have also been approved. The amendments will add a new requirement for the ministry to be notified of a failure to control a crane or a load, including any rigging failure, and for an engineer’s report on the cause of the incident.

Most of these changes will come into force on January 1, 2024. Other requirements, including those involving equipment upgrades, will come into force on January 1, 2025.

For more information on the OHSA amendments, please watch the full webinar here: https://app.gotowebinar.com/unified/index.html #/webinar/6367356934260736345/attend/5890425074279760217

Ottawa was the final stop for OETIO and the Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fairs, which took place at the EY Centre.

The event was part of a series of dynamic, multi-day careers fairs sponsored by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development that allows young people and jobseekers to explore opportunities within the trades.

Pictured representing Operating Engineers at the OETIO booth in Ottawa are (from left) Rick Kerr (Executive Director, OETIO), Derek Merkley (Business Rep), Rod McKenzie (Director of Training, OETIO Morrisburg), Ryan Lacelle (Organizer) and Martin Tassé (Eastern Ontario Area Supervisor).

OETIO joins Santa and Mrs. Claus at Morrisburg parade

OETIO staff from the Morrisburg campus joined the fun as Santa and Mrs. Claus paid a visit to the small community on the banks of the St Lawrence River on December 2.

Following behind the festively decorated OETIO vehicles, staff joined the famous couple on their annual parade through the downtown. Despite a stiff breeze and persistent drizzle, many staff dressed to impress in their finest Christmas costumes.

Families lined much of the route, trying to get a glimpse of Santa between the many floats, police and fire vehicles, Sea Cadets and marching bands.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to another successful parade and for making the day such a highlight of the Morrisburg calendar. Merry Christmas to you all!

Oshawa is the next stop for OETIO and the Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fairs, which is taking place at the Tribute Communities Centre.

The event is part of a series of dynamic, multi-day careers fairs sponsored by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development that allows young people and jobseekers to explore opportunities within the trades.

Pictured representing Operating Engineers at the OETIO booth in Oshawa are (from left) Matthew Laws (Business Rep), Justin O’Neil (Toronto Area Supervisor), Torie Coqu (Business Rep), Jason Graff (Business Rep), Jordan Linhares (Business Rep).

OETIO’s next stop will be at the EY Centre in Ottawa from November 28-29.

Visit: https://levelupontario.ca

Applying for an OETIO Apprenticeship is easy!

Attend a virtual information session. The next session is Wednesday, November 22, at 10am EDT.

Visit https://www.oetio.com/info-sessions to RSVP your spot today.

After you’ve attended an information session, you can apply by visiting https://www.oetio.com/apprentice-application

LOCAL 793 SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER AT OAKVILLE SANTA CLAUS PARADE

Holiday spirit was in the air, as Local 793 took part in the Oakville Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 18.

Large crowds lined the parade route from Lakeshore Road to Stewart Street to watch and wave, as Local 793 marched along with Santa, local community groups and businesses.

Local 793 thanks everyone who came out to make this day such a success and wishes everyone a bright and joyous holiday season!

David Piccini MPP, Ontario’s recently appointed Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, was just one of many visitors who flocked to the OETIO booth on Thursday morning, day two of the latest Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair in Mississauga.

Level Up! travels to every corner of the province allowing young people and jobseekers to explore career opportunities within the skilled trades.

Minister Piccini tested his operating skills on the OETIO simulator at the event held at the International Centre and chatted with staff, including Carla St. Louis (Director of Marketing and Indigenous Affairs), Lee Charlebois (Senior IT Specialist), Brendan Ryan, Nick McGuinn, Dave De Luca and Michael Belcher (Business Reps).

The next Level Up! event takes place at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa on November 21-22.

OETIO’s mission to spread the word about the benefits of a career as an Operating Engineer continues in Windsor this week as the Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair makes a two-day stop at the LaSalle Event Centre.

The event, which concludes tomorrow (Thursday), is part of a series of dynamic, multi-day careers fairs sponsored by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development that allows young people and jobseekers to explore opportunities within the trades.

Pictured representing Operating Engineers at the OETIO booth in Windsor are (from left) Mike Barons (Sarnia Business Rep), Ian Oncea (Windsor Business Rep), Carla St. Louis (OETIO Director of Indigenous Affairs and Marketing), Steve Booze (Southwest Ontario Supervisor), Paul Knight (Sarnia Business Rep), and Dave Pfaff (Windsor Business Rep).

OETIO’s next stop will be at the Western Fair District Agriplex in London from November 1-2.

Visit: https://levelupontario.ca