Print

E-mail

Text

Re: 'Canada must focus on skilled trades, forum told,' News, March 14.

The article is just one of many I have recently seen on this subject. It always reminds me of the many times I have raised this issue with government officials, the media and others.

I always questioned why Canada has never introduced an apprenticeship system like the one found in most European countries.

I grew up in Austria where my dad took me out of school at the end of Grade 8 and I become an apprentice for a car upholstery shop. Most apprentice programs were for three years although there were some trades that took an extra year or so.

You worked four and a half days per week (including Saturday morning) and went one day to a trade school, but I was paid for the entire week. It meant that by the time you were 18, you were a certified journeyman and earned good money.

If you wanted, you could then later on take another two or three years to pass the test to become a master in your trade, which allowed you to open your own business.

I don't understand why young people here in Canada first have to finish high school and then go to college to become a tradesman. No wonder kids drop out of school, get into trouble and at 20 or 21 still don't know what they want to do with their life.

Fred Vinzenz