CUPE Local 416, Toronto Housing apprentice program provides training … and good union jobs
Twenty-eight apprentices are moving from training to work with the launch of the Apprenticeship Cleaning Program at Toronto Community Housing.
“We are proud to have initiated this program with the employer,” said Mark Ferguson, president of Toronto Civic Employees Union (TCEU), CUPE Local 416. “And we’re especially proud to be part of a program that helps residents in at-risk communities move into good union jobs.”
Successful applicants went through an assessment, preparation and a two-week practicum to qualify. Program graduates are paired with a senior staff member who takes them through regular cleaning routines and reviews key aspects of customer service. Graduates then receive a cleaner job assignment in a Toronto Community Housing building for up to 50weeks at a rate of $14.15 per hour – and become members of Local 416.
Apprentices were honoured by the union and the employer at a special breakfast launch on August 19. Local 416 President Mark Ferguson and Housing Unit Chair Ron Johnson celebrate the launch of the Toronto Community Housing Apprenticeship Cleaning Program with graduates who now become members of Local 416 during their job placements.