Q & A

Starting in this and future e-bulletins, we will print our responses to questions that have been raised through the website. Since October 2003 approximately 1,550 questions and requests for information have been made to “tradeability.ca”

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Q: I'm a licensed plumber searching out resources for starting my own business. I'm having trouble finding information for grants & loans to help get started. I keep hearing rumours about these but I'm stumped. Any help would be appreciated.

A: If you live in Durham Region and need help developing a business plan, the Business Advisory Centre Durham can help you with that and we have provided you with their contact information:

For grant and loan information they suggested that you call the Canada Ontario Business Service Centre hotline at 1-800-567-2345 or check out this link to their website which includes financial information: www.cobsc.org/en

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Q: How and where do I go to challenge the exam for the Facilities Technician License. I am a 3rd Class Stationary Engineer who has been working as a building operator for the past 19 years.

A: To challenge the exam for the Facilities Technician you must have 8,000 hours in the trade and according to your past experience, I would say you’ve earned them. To book your Certificate of Qualification exam, contact your local Employment Ontario office. The Pickering office is 905 837-7721 or toll free 1-800-461-4608. If you live outside of Durham we have provided a link to their website for alternative locations: www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/apprenticeship/Skills/officelocations.html

The fee to write the certification exam is $100.00. To apply you will have to provide a letter/letters from current or previous employers, written on company letterhead which states your dates of employment, number of hours worked, position title and a complete description of job duties. If you cannot provide the necessary documentation we suggest that you contact the Apprenticeship office for more information.

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Q: Can I hire an apprentice if I am not a licenced journeyperson?

A: It depends on the trade. If it is a voluntary or unrestricted trade, a Training Consultant with Employment Ontario can determine if the trainer meets the requirements. This would be based on years in the trade and experience. To hire and train an apprentice in a Restricted or Compulsory trade there must be a licenced journeyperson to provide the on-the-job training and the ratio requirements must be met.

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