Vancouver, British Columbia – An apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship trades program created by the Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW) Local 2200 and the Coast Mountain Bus Company in Metro Vancouver has won an innovation award from the B.C. Industry Training Authority (ITA).

The union and company developed a training model that provides broad-based opportunities for young, pre-apprenticeship students, as well as older apprentices. The program allows students to be hired from college entry-level trades training programs; they are then prepared to become apprentice commercial transport mechanics.

The program, which started three years ago, brings in nine to twelve pre-apprentices each year. After about six months, they move into apprenticeships in the trade.

“When it comes to training and apprenticeships, the union and the company have the same goal,” said Joe Elworthy, president of CAW Local 2200. “We all want good-quality people and to pass on information and expertise.”