Aldo Cianfrini (OCTE spokesperson) OCTE RESPONSE TO THE Ministry of Labour (MOL) proposed training in Construction Technology Health and Safety Awareness Training (CHSAT) Aldo Cianfrini (OCTE spokesperson)

OCTE Response – August 2016 Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the proposed awareness training We see this as an important step in strengthening safety in Ontario’s Construction Industry of young people There is general agreement that formal training/certification for high school students entering the workplace in the area of construction is an excellent idea and we want to support the concept.

Concerns While we agree with the intent of the training we have some concerns about possible implementation strategies In 2015-16 there were approximately 18,000 students enrolled in a Construction Technology course in Ontario high schools We feel it very important that OCTE work closely with MOL to ensure the best outcome for our students and programs. Ideally, we feel that this training should happen in our Technological Education classrooms/schools which will prepare our students to be ready for direct entry to the workplace.

Recommendations We feel that much of the proposed training is currently covered in the Ontario Ministry of Education Senior grade 11 and 12 Construction, Manufacturing and other Technological Education curriculum documents and there should be some recognition for students who enrol and are successful in these Technological Education courses. This proposal needs to be more inclusive of high school level students. As an example, the current training taking place for working at heights (WAH) could be more pedagogically appropriate (i.e. teaching young people vs. teaching adults)

Recommendations – cont’d Technological Education teachers are certified members of the Ontario College of Teachers and have exceptional skills in the delivery of curriculum, both practically and theoretically. This group of teachers should be recognized as ideal instructors for this training. The cost to students and school boards may become a limiting burden. We have already seen significant concerns with the costs of working at heights training and we feel this training will need to be even further reaching and could become a significant barrier to the engagement of students interested in the Construction Sector.

Specific recommendations Sec. 5.a. Compliance with adult learning principles; Omission of youth. Request this be rephrased to the following: Compliance with learning principles for adults and youth. Sec. 5.a.iii. Recognizing limits of attention span and various ways that adults learn; Omission of youth. 6.5 hours exceeds the length of a secondary school day. Implications for a sustainable model of delivery for providers is not feasible.

Sec. 4.1 Instructor Qualifications . Request either an edit to iv. A degree, diploma or certificate in occupational health and safety or technological education from a recognized post-secondary institution; or the addition of: vi. Technological Education teacher certified by the Ontario College of Teachers with senior qualifications in appropriate program areas aligned to placements in the construction sector.

Instructor Qualifications – cont’d Omission of individuals competent with delivery of instruction to youth. Request of the following edits: b. A combination of adult or secondary school education delivery experience and knowledge of principles obtained through at least one of the following: i. More than 100 hours of adult or secondary school education delivery experience in the past five years; ii. A degree, diploma or certificate in adult or secondary school education principles from a recognized post-secondary institution;

Possible Next Steps OCTE to work with MOL to explore the possibility of training and endorsing qualified technological education teachers with the appropriate work experience to delivery the Construction Health and Safety Awareness Training

Additional recommendations and questions?