This project is just getting underway. If you are interested in participating in the project’s Working Group, please contact Dale Ross, at dross@supplychaincanada.org.
Focus Groups
The primary purpose of this project is to provide the tools necessary for sector stakeholders to clearly enunciate the occupational, training and certification standards associated with material handling in the supply chain sector.
There is a critical need to standardize the certification requirements for forklift/reach-truck operators on a national basis throughout the sector. In addition, there is significant demand for qualified workers, and this occupation lends itself well to facilitating entry to the sector.
The apprenticeship model is ideally suited for this occupation and is supported widely by industry and governments. There are many people, particularly among under-represented groups, interested in apprenticeship opportunities.
The expected benefits of this project are:
For workers: greater knowledge and information regarding entry-level career opportunities in the sector and, consequently, increased access, particularly by under-represented groups.
For employers: the ability to more effectively recruit and retain workers by offering entry-level apprenticeship opportunities that are nationally recognized.
Through this project, the CSCSC will:
Complete a review of apprenticeship frameworks for occupations consistent with material handlers from other sectors;
Develop essential-skills requirements for material-handling occupations;
Identify existing training providers and match training curricula to skill requirements;
Establish an accreditation framework for training providers; and
Promote the accreditation program within the sector.
The results of this project will include the development of a process that will ensure that material handlers, specifically forklift and reach-truck operators, have the requisite skills and competencies to operate their equipment safely and efficiently in workplaces throughout the sector and that the acquisition of such skills can be clearly demonstrated so as to be accepted and recognized nationally by the sector.
Focus Groups
If you are a user, trainer or manufacturer of material-handling equipment, we’d like you to share your first-hand knowledge and experience as the Council, with the assistance of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), develops occupational standards for material handlers within the Canadian supply chain sector.
The initial focus of project activities will be on the development of occupational standards for operators of electric trucks (Industrial Truck Association (ITA) Class 1 through 3), internal-combustion-engine trucks (ITA Class 4 and 5), and aerial work platforms, booms and cranes used in connection with material-handling-equipment maintenance.
If you or anyone in your company has experience with material-handling equipment, we welcome, and need, your involvement in this project. Focus-group sessions will be held as shown below. Sessions will run from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Note that teleconferencing options are available should you wish to attend a particular session but are unable to travel.
Vancouver – Thursday, July 9
Holiday Inn Express Metrotown, 4405 Central Boulevard, Burnaby
Calgary – Tuesday, July 14
Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel, 2620 32nd Avenue NE
Toronto – Tuesday, July 21
Canadian Standards Association, 5060 Spectrum Way, Suite 100, Mississauga
Montreal – Friday, July 24
Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites Montreal Airport, 700 Avenue Michel Jasmin
Halifax – Thursday, July 30
Future Inns Halifax Hotel & Conference Centre, 30 Fairfax Drive
Contact Dale Ross, at dross@supplychaincanada.org, to register for one or more of the focus-group sessions or to find out more about how you can participate.