Winnipeg, Manitoba — Manitoba is reinstating its one-to-one apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio as of Oct. 30, though collision centres may apply for exemption to keep the two-to-one ratio via the Automotive Trades Association (ATA) of Manitoba.
ATA of Manitoba President Norm Bruneau said the organization will link the applicable apprenticeship forms on its website.
“We’re happy to assist shops through this change and help them find the resources they need to hopefully run their business with minimal disruption,” he told Collision Repair mag.
Economic Development Minister Jamie Moses says the switch back to the one-to-one ratio aims to promote safety and better training.
“The reason we’re making this change is very simple; Manitobans deserve to go to work in a safe work environment and come home safely from those workplaces at the end of the day,” said the minister at a press conference on Tuesday.
Existing apprenticeship agreements may continue if employers have been permitted to have journeypersons supervise more than one apprentice; apprentices actively demonstrate continued progress; and if journeypersons do not take on additional apprentices.
“Proper skills and supervision are necessary, and that’s part of what will ensure workers come home safely at the end of the day,” said Moses.
