Why don't I just hire a few apprentices? I wish I could, but I'm not allowed to!

Editor’s Note: Rudi Schweitzer, a plumbing contractor near Kitchener, ON, sent us this little story about trying to explain to friends (outside our industry) about the apparent madness of apprenticeship ratios in Ontario which prevent him from hiring young people and paying them and training them. Let us know what you think.  Thanks for your contribution, Rudi.

A Friendly Conversation Over Dinner

My wife and I decided, as we have numerous times before, to have a few of our close friends over for dinner one evening. Over a few bottles of wine, the topics of conversation ranged from holiday plans to the weather – and, eventually, to upcoming renovation projects that each couple had in mind to do.

As a plumbing contractor, I’m often asked for my opinion on how to communicate with tradespeople and contractors and how to understand their estimates and lingo. I listen to the questions, and proceed to explain in layman’s terms, the “World of the Contractor” to my white-collar dinner companions. As my wife will attest, I’m always happy to complain to whomever is in earshot about Ontario’s Workers Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), various forms of “red tape” that contractors have to deal with – and the shortage of qualified tradespeople.

At this particular gathering at our house, I was asked by one of our guests, Sue: “Isn’t there a shortage of tradespeople in this country?” I agreed that there was, indeed. But everyone at our table seemed to think it was because all of our young adults are seeking university education and had no interest in pursuing any sort of labor that might entail getting their hands dirty. I explained that, on the contrary, many young people have a keen interest in the trades, and both the government and high schools have done an excellent job at showcasing trades as a noble and lucrative career path. I told my dinner guests that when I walk through today’s plumbing shop at our local community college, I am always amazed at the vast array of equipment graciously donated by various manufacturers for apprentice training. I mentioned that almost every week I receive a new resume from a young man or woman, desperately seeking a shot at a plumbing apprenticeship. Many of these potential candidates have already taken pre-apprenticeship courses, paid out of their own pocket, to try and tip the scales in their favor and hopefully secure a position.

“You’re so busy all the time, why don’t you just hire more apprentices then?” asked my friend Ben.

“I wish I could, but I’m not allowed!” I said.

Instantly, I witnessed four jaws drop in unison. Only my wife, who’s well aware of the situation, was unsurprised by my remark. She and I continued to sip our Bordeaux.

“What do you mean you’re ‘not allowed’? Who says you can’t hire these people?” asked Sue.

“Our Provincial Government won’t allow it,” I replied.

At this point, I had to explain the concept of “ratios,” and how, depending on the category of trade, antiquated ratio rules were set into place that were keeping many of these people shut out of an opportunity… and only in Ontario!

Soon the conversation drifted away from apprentices and the concerns of contractors to which deck stain was best, which kitchen faucets I liked, and why. As the evening went on, the wine flowed and desserts were served. While popping another cork, it dawned on me that I had stumbled upon a unique opportunity. For once, I had a captive audience to air my grievances, and they weren’t fellow contractors. Yes, my wife would have to suffer through my diatribe yet again, but she was a good sport.

Why did I suddenly realize that this was important? If we contractors just continue to complain amongst ourselves, our message will never be heard by those really need to hear it. We are just preaching to the choir. Shouldn’t we be talking directly to the politicans? Sure, it’s great when they appear to be listening, but their mandate is directed at what they think the majority of the populous wants.

“And you know what else?” I offered to my audience, “While we all agree Ontario has a skilled labor shortage, and all taxpayers have contributed towards the generous ‘Apprenticeship Tax Credit Program’ offered to employers, the ratios in place have kept us from hiring apprentices to fill this shortage.” I then did my best to explain to our guests how two separate government departments are doing a great job at wastefully contradicting each other’s policies.

“Well, that just doesn’t make any sense at all!” someone interjected.

Everyone agreed that this is one of the dumbest policies our bureaucrats have yet to concoct.

I urge my fellow contractors: Talk to your friends, your neighbours, your kid’s teachers, your brother-in-law and your accountant. In other words, talk to anyone that isn’t a tradesperson or a contractor. Trust me, your spouse deserves a break from your complaining about this situation to them. If we want things to change, we have to let our customers know what’s happening. The more taxpayers know about these wasteful, unfair or just plain outdated policies the easier it will be to change them to everyone’s benefit.

As the evening came to a close, and we were saying our good-byes, Sue turned to me and asked, “Anything else bothering you contractors?”

“Sure, plenty! Wait until I tell you about the WSIB!” I said.