NEWS
In a small building in Chilliwack used to store hand carved canoes, apprentices measure, cut, drill, and install drywall onto the steel studs they have erected.
The group of Wall and Ceiling Installer Module A and B apprentices are working in groups to complete their second mock-up project. Once they have finished screwing the drywall to the steel studs, they will also apply what they have learned about the basics of drywall finishing. After that, they will paint.
The program is a unique partnership between the Finishing Trades Institute of BC and Seabird Island College. Members from Chawathil, Tzeachten, Squiala, Sumas and Skwah First Nations participate in a 10 month Wall and Ceiling Installer Apprentice program, supplemented by training in the fundamentals of Painting and Decorating and Drywall Finishing.
The program began in September 2010, and half way through the training, the apprentices are excited about their blossoming skills.
"Right now it feels good to start a project from beginning to end," said apprentice Justin Malloway. "Knowing that you did it yourself is a great feeling. This isn't like any of the other work I've done. It feels good building with your hands. We are faster than before. Everyone is getting the hang of it now."
Typically apprentices who attend first level training at the FTI already have completed hours of on-the-job work before even entering the school. They already have developed hand tool skills, understand how jobsites function, and are familiar with the fundamentals of the trade.
Most apprentices in the Seabird Island program, however, did not have this previous knowledge. In order to remedy this, the FTI created a custom program that included important pre-apprentice training.
On location in Squiala, a First Nation just outside of Chilliwack, the FTI still offers the same quality combination of hands-on training and classroom study that apprentices would find at the facility in Surrey.
"One of the things for me was the hands-on aspect of it. I liked how Al taught us to frame from the foundation to the ceiling," apprentice Neil Silver said. "I want to get to work right away. I would like to get into the trades."
For more images of the FTI at Seabird Island, please visit our Flickr page http://www.flickr.com/photos/ftibc/sets/72157625872841919
|
