Trucking
(WINNIPEG, MB) October 22, 2024 – The Manitoba Trucking Association is concerned that the newly-restored 1:1 apprentice to journeyperson ratio will negatively impact apprentices in Manitoba’s trucking industry without positively impacting safety.
“Our members have made it clear that a 2:1 ratio in shops for truck and transport mechanics and transport trailer technicians is a safe ratio. We appreciate the concerns from other industries; safety is a top priority for members of the Manitoba Trucking Association. However, a 2:1 ratio in a shop environment is a safe ratio,” explained MTA Executive Director Aaron Dolyniuk. “The negative impact will come from the inability to find enough journeypersons to take on this role to match the number of apprentices hoping to come into the industry. With retirements, that will become increasingly challenging. If apprenticeship options are unavailable due to lack of supervision, we are going to lose good apprentices from our industry.”
The MTA would like to see exemptions made by industry, rather than per organization via a ratio adjustment application or per employee via the designated trainer exemption.