Training in response to local needs

The pulp and paper industry has been a major employer in the St. Catharine's area since the early 1900s. It now employs over 2000 people, with an annual payroll of $76 million and annual sales of $400 million. Like most North American industries, it has experienced economic downturns over the years. However, it is now suffering its worst depression since the 1930s. The five area mills (Domtar Specialty Fine Papers, Georgia Pacific, Kimberly Clark Canada Inc., Noranda Forest Recycled Papers, and QUNO) have diversified their product lines and remain competitive in the global market. With the development of a unique broad-based technology training program, a major training initiative has been undertaken to enhance their competitiveness.

To implement this initiative, a partnership was formed among the five mills, Niagara College, the Lincoln County Board of Education, and the Ministry of Skills Development (now the Ontario Training and Adjustment Board). It will involve about 250 trades people over the next 3 years. Some of the trades addressed in this training plan will be millwrights, pipe fitters, electricians, instrumentation, machinists, welders.

For the mills to continue to be successful, the concept of "Flex-Trades" must be implemented. Under it, people in the various trades will be trained to perform tasks at agreed upon levels within their associated trade area. For example, a millwright would be able to carry out welding and pipefitting tasks up to the agreed level, depending on the individual's competence.

The Flex-Trades concept will allow for more efficient use of personnel within the mechanical and electrical (maintenance) areas. In addition, each trades person will gain a higher skill level and an in-depth understanding of interdisciplinary relations.