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Unifor, industry, and the university in Kamloops have partnered to better prepare students for job opportunities in the skilled trades.
A memorandum of understanding was signed on July 28 between Unifor 10B, Domtar, and Thompson Rivers University to enhance the quality of trades training in the region.
“Unifor is committed to collaborating with communities for access to good jobs,” said Scott Doherty, Executive Assistant to Unifor’s National President.
The goals of the agreement are to support TRU trades training programs, “Foundation Programs”, and to train and, where possible, hire students from TRU into Domtar’s Kamloops mill where as members in good standing of Unifor 10-B they can begin a successful career in trades.
“We’re very excited to be a part of this process,” said Unifor 10-B President Charlie Fraser.
Details of the agreement include:
- Mill access for students and instructors to demonstrate systems and processes that cannot practically be demonstrated in class,
- Job shadowing,
- Explore work experience and other unique learning opportunities allowing students to acquire hours towards a specific trade.
- Domtar and Unifor 10B will provide students with bursaries/scholarships.
- Domtar will continue to provide in-kind donations of surplus equipment.
- Domtar and Unifor 10B will make special presentations promoting Domtar as a possible future employer within a unionized shop environment.
- Domtar and Unifor 10B will strive to offer safety related training assistance for programs such as Risk Assessment.
“High quality trades training is very important in this region. We’re thrilled that Unifor has shown leadership in expanding access for students,” Melissa Gordon, President of the Thompson Rivers University Students’ Union.
