Progressive employers looking to leverage the know-how of skilled tradespeople understand the value of sponsoring an apprentice. Experience film izle has shown that employers are more likely to get involved in apprenticeship if their first step is limited to offering work placements to a registered apprentice. Work placements are typically 4 -12 months in duration, but are not a commitment for full time employment. Once an employer recognizes the benefits of apprenticeship first hand, the objective is to officially transfer the sponsorship to that employer, who is then eligible for other government tax credits and benefits.

Apprenticeship registration is an important qualification on a resume. It also provides an opportunity to access the $2000 Canada Apprenticeship Incentive Grant and the $2000 Canada Apprenticeship Completion Grant as well as funds to purchase vital tools. This financial support during the CODA program, along with Canada Employment Insurance during the fourth semester at college, all assist the struggling apprentice along their challenging path.

Membership in the HSTAC Council provides a voice, leadership and an opportunity to meet common apprenticeship challenges, as well as access to talented and committed apprentices to meet future workforce needs. Both the federal and provincial governments provide employers with financial assistance including the $3,000 maximum Ontario Coop Education Tax Credit, the $40,000 maximum Ontario Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit, the $2,000 Ontario Employer Signing Bonus and the $2,000 Canada Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit for Red Seal Trades.

The Hamilton Skilled Trade Apprenticeship Consortium is special because their mission is to build a better future for our community by advancing the success of employers and skilled trades. HSTAC's vision is to foster world-class training practices that meet the demands for skilled trades in our community. HSTAC offers a managed approach to the apprenticeship process, which reduces training barriers, increases the Certificate of Qualification completions and results in more satisfied employees. For further information please contact CSTEC Regional Coordinator, Ron Tuff, (rtuff@cogeco.ca, 905 923 3560).

The company say it's currently in advanced talks over several potential locations for the plant and plans to announce a site March 15.

The new plant will enable Lakeside to produce high value-added American Petroleum Institute-certified OCTG products required by drilling operations in North America. Ron Bedard, president and chief operating officer of the company, said, "This is another important step in Lakeside Steel providing higher value-added products to our current and future customers."

"This investment will provide certainty of supply to satisfy our customers supply chain needs," Bedard said.

"These assets, in addition to previous investments made by Lakeside Steel in both Canada and the U.S., provides the company with some of the most modern, cost-effective assets in the industry."

Lakeside's customers includes large oil and gas end users, as well as distributors across North America.

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