Welcoming 31 new apprentice-level members last month, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of IBEW Local 625, Tom Griffiths, says that this is just the beginning. “We’ll be looking to welcome 10-20 new apprentices each month from now until September.”
The booming residential sector in Atlantic Canada and an aging workforce are the main drivers for Local 625’s steady apprenticeship intake. However, residential wasn’t a focus for the Local until a decade ago. “It wasn’t a sector we’d been going after,” Griffiths reflects. “But, as industrial work started to plateau, we saw an opportunity in residential projects and began refocusing our efforts there. It took some time, and we had to get creative, but we eventually made progress.”
It paid off. The growing demand for skilled residential electricians reduced the wage gap between residential and commercial work. “A large portion of electrical wages in residential projects are now on par with our ICI wage package. This is a huge draw for our members.” The pivot also boosted placement opportunities for their growing apprenticeship program.
While the added benefits of residential training and wage alignment are a huge draw for apprentices, the Local’s high training standards emerge as the greatest advantage. Out in the field, IBEW 625 and their partner contractors maintain a 1:1 apprentice-to-journeyperson ratio—a training standard that far exceeds the 3:1 ratio set by the province.
“Despite governmental shifts towards more relaxed ratios, we’ve stood firm on our 1:1 apprentice-to-journeyperson training standard,” states Griffiths. “How can one journeyperson effectively manage, train, and ensure the safety of three apprentices? They can’t – and putting all that responsibility on one individual is unfair. Something or someone will suffer.”
Griffiths’ commitment to training skilled electricians in a safe and effective manner has garnered praise from IBEW Canada’s International Vice President, Russ Shewchuk. “Continuing to uphold the IBEW’s high training standards speaks volumes about Brother Griffiths’ leadership qualities. It’s not easy to hold strong when others are held to a lower standard. But Tom embodies the core values of our organization: prioritizing the health and safety of IBEW members while building the next generation of highly skilled IBEW electricians in Nova Scotia. IBEW 625 apprentices are in good hands.”
What’s next for the 31 apprentices sworn into membership? Hands-on training with IBEW partner contractors. Their journey will also include continued in-class training at the Local’s state-of-the-art training centre. Here, they’ll learn from and be supported by a team of passionate IBEW training professionals fully committed to their growth and success as they work towards achieving their Red Seal Certificate of Qualification.
Referring to his training team as dedicated, passionate and knowledgeable professionals, Griffiths adds, “They are why our apprentices stand a significantly better chance at obtaining their Red Seal Certificate of Qualification compared to our non-union counterparts.”
And, as their newest members move forward in their apprenticeship journey, Tom and his team at Local 625 will be hard at work preparing to welcome the next wave of members and eager students.
“We’re gearing up to launch not one, but two Electrical Construction and Industrial Trade classes this coming September,” Griffiths beamed, sharing that the Local’s proposal to add a second class (which is a precursor to an electrical apprenticeship) was recently approved by Nova Scotia’s Private Career College Committee. “Having the opportunity to increase our training capacity will reduce barriers for those interested in pursuing an electrical apprenticeship. And by training with the IBEW, these students will receive the highest standard of education and training.”
Just as the Local redirected to a new sector over ten years ago, Griffiths steers the proverbial 625 ship into a new wave of opportunity: a looming shortage of skilled trades workers. Allocating resources to prioritize training while maintaining proper training standards (even when provincial standards lag), will position the Local well to handle the demands of an area that continues to grow. It’s full steam ahead for Tom Griffiths and Local 625.
More About IBEW Local 625
Learn more about the pre-apprenticeship program: <click here>
Words of advice from IBEW Local 625 Business Manager Tom Griffiths:
“Do your research. Some applicants are surprised to discover the not-so-glamorous realities of electrical work: You may be working outdoors for hours on end in less-than-ideal conditions. Understand the physical taxation of the job, working with your arms overhead for a significant part of the day.
“We’ve had some applicants get to the hall unable to climb a ladder, or upon reaching the top, they’re unable to let go. If you have a paralyzing fear of heights, an electrical career may not be a good choice.”