The Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) has announced that is working with Local 249 Carpenters’ Union in the creation of a new training program that will support construction requirements for solar farm projects across Eastern Ontario.
Activity will begin in mid to late June and the majority of the work will take place in and around Kingston.
The Carpenters District Council of Ontario (CDC) has the responsibility of providing labour for the projects and they predict that over 100 full time positions will be created over the next several months, with full-time work continuing into 2016.
The CDC and Local 249 Kingston will be offering free, unpaid training sessions for individuals interested interested in the program, after which they will be eligible to work.
Students who can work full-time during summer months are eligible as are those seeking full-time regular employment.
“This is a great opportunity for new-comers seeking Canadian experience in construction, new-graduates looking for hands-on field work or summer students who require full-time work,” said KEDCO’s Human Resources and Labour Market Specialist, Carey Bidtnes. “The CDC representative has indicated that a variety of skill sets are needed from general construction, scaffolding and bus-driving to machine operators. In addition, those with engineering, quality control and other specialized skills are often moved into more technical roles by the sub-contractors.”
The Carpenters District Council of Ontario and Kingston Local 249 will be hosting a free one-day training sessions for prospective employees. The sessions wil include WHMIS, fall arrest, and orientation.
Applicants should be able to work outdoors, lift up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds), and be 18 years of age or older.
In order to be hired, a prospective employee must complete the training, meet the physical and age requirements of the job, and join the Carpenters’ Union.
In a news release, KEDCO reports that interest in the project has been “tremendous” and that the first training session – being held today – had a full class. Additional training sessions are being scheduled and interested persons can register online to take part in future sessions at the Solar Project Training Registration page.
Photo source: Wikimedia Commons
