IUOE News Fall 2013

Training Association
Skills Canada National Competition
The Training Association received a great deal of exposure
by setting up a 20’ x 30’ active display booth at this year’s 19th
Annual Skills Canada National Competition held at B.C. Place
in June. Our mobile simulator trailer, along with our electric
over hydraulic mini digger and sand box was popular with the
visitors who came over to see our setup and view our information
display booth.
The event was a great success with over 500 competitors
and 7,500 attendees during the two-day Competition. Besides
informative booths and demonstrations, the event featured
skilled competitors from a huge variety of trades coming from
all across Canada, vying for the title of National Champion for
their respective trade or technology area.
The Training Association also participated in the Annual
Provincial Skills Canada Competition at the Tradex in April.
Tool Allowance Fund
The Operating Engineers Tool Allowance Fund was established
to provide mechanics, millwrights, servicemen and
welders with an allowance to assist in the purchase of new
up-to-date tools, as well as tools broken or lost on the job.
The following is required to qualify for the tool allowance:
• Must be a member in good standing;
• Minimum 250 hours must be contributed on the
members behalf;
• Must be dispatched in the trade in which they are
working.
Application forms for tool allowance reimbursement will
be sent out in the first week of October, 2013. The deadline for
submitting applications is December 31st, 2013.
Members who have received a tool allowance in the past
30 News October 2013
Brothers Jeff Gorham (Training Coordinator), Brad Randall
(Administrator) and Randy Grisewood (Training Coordinator) at the
National Skills Canada Competition in BC Place. Picture taken by
Brother Tom Kinnear (Training Coordinator).
will automatically be sent an application form if they continue
to meet the above requirements. Those members that have
not received a tool allowance in the past and meet the above
requirements to qualify can contact the Training Association
office for an application form.
Brothers Mike Spiruda (Member Representative) and Tom Kinnear (Training
Coordinator) recently attended the Canada North Resources Expo held in Prince George.
The Training Association brought their mobile simulator trailer, with mobile crane and
excavator simulators, for the crowd to try their hand at. The simulators were very well
received by both exhibitors and attendees of the two day Expo event.
Northern B.C. is bustling with activity in forestry, mining, pipelines, energy generation,
oil and gas, and so much more. The event showcased the leaders and rising stars of all
these industries, of which the IUOE plays a vital role. The event focused on the
machinery, products, technology, services, talent and manpower needed to get the
infrastructure developed as these mega projects ramp up.