The government is ignoring an opinion from the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) by including the refrigeration engineering profession in a shortened and paid training program in order to attract new workers to the industry.
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To ease labor shortages on construction sites, François Legault recently announced accelerated courses for five construction trades, costing $750 per week. Quebec plans to hire up to 5,000 new workers by summer.
However, while the CCQ has approved temporary, fast-track training of four to six months for carpenters, construction equipment operators and plumbers, this does not apply to the refrigeration course.
After an analysis, the organization that monitors the construction industry refused to support the government in creating a shortened course for workers responsible, in particular, for the installation and maintenance of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in buildings, as well as refrigeration and freezing equipment Super Market.
The training to obtain a professional diploma (DEP) in the field of refrigeration technology currently extends over a period of 18 months to two years.
“The CCQ Board has decided to provide, for a temporary period, a new access route to the issuance of a certificate of competency for persons who have completed a Certificate of Professional Studies (AEP) leading to the following professions: carpenter, tinsmith, heavy worker Equipment operator and excavator operator. “The government, for its part, has decided to add the profession of refrigeration engineer,” the building inspectorate limited itself to a statement.
Remember that the CCQ board includes employers and unions, as well as new president Audrey Murray, a former CAQ candidate and former deputy minister in the Legault government.
Risk of electric shock
The Provincial Construction Trades Council (International) is concerned about the risks that poorly trained refrigeration technicians may face in the future and the quality of the work being carried out.
“Refrigeration technician, let’s face it, it is a fairly complex profession, very similar to mechanical professions such as pipe fitter or electrician,” emphasizes the general director of the trade union center, Patrick Bérubé.
Four to six months of training for a job where the risk of electrocution is very high and which relies on strict food refrigeration standards “is certainly not going to be enough,” he says.
Mr Bérubé simply cannot believe that the government is moving forward despite industry opposition.
“Pressing” needs
The Labor Minister’s office says the government has taken a “pragmatic approach” to find concrete solutions to the labor shortage in the construction sector.
“It is up to the CCQ board to explain its decisions. The fact is that the shortage of refrigeration technicians in the industry is severe and that 55% of them come to the construction site without any training – a trend that is only increasing. “Our government is acting to address this situation,” it said.
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