PowerStream
Training
Apprentice Program
Benefits
• Attitude shift – young workers are bringing a positive attitude and
higher credentials to the table
• Skill set – new generation of workers are more technology savvy
which will help us further our technology-based initiatives
• Infusing our workforce with younger workers offsets the challenges
faced as our older workforce is starting to experience the physical
effects of aging
Risks of Delaying the
Apprentice Program
• Knowledge transfer and mentoring of apprentices will become more
of a challenge as our experienced workforce retires
• Journeymen-to-Apprentice ratios will decrease to levels that
introduce safety concerns (less than 2 journeymen per apprentice)
as we experience more retirements
• Workforce will become difficult to sustain in coming years as
retirements start to occur.
Recommendation
-
Been fortunate to attract strong qualified journeyman to assist our
ration of journeyman to apprentice ratio
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Have ran 6 apprentice training programs within the Lines
Department.
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Operations and Construction is in the middle of a perfect storm. The
possible retirement tsunami of 30% of the workforce over the next
five years creates both challenges and opportunities for leadership.
-
Given the industry talent shortages, it means that PowerStream will
have to strategically invest in the talent development of this area.
The Need for a Talent Plan
1.
Transparent linkage
between people
requirements and
business strategy
2.
A forward-thinking
approach for the
possible replacements
3.
More targeted
development and
knowledge transfer
Operations And Construction Has Direct Line Of Sight
To The Organizational Critical Success Factors For 2015




Employee Satisfaction - 95% on 5 engagement questions
Health and Safety – zero serious injuries
Customer Satisfaction - 95% on overall satisfaction
Environmental Sustainability - ‘Environmental Leader’, meet or
exceed OEB mandated CDM targets
 Shareholder Value - 5 Year Average ROE Exceeds OEB Allowable
Rate
 Profitable Growth
 Social Responsibility and Community Support – Annual
contributions of 2% of net income
The Strategic Plan Requires Operations and Construction to
Address Four People and Organizational Priorities
Our Success
System Control
By partnering with EHRC with their Career Focus
initiatives, helps employers find top talent and
hold onto it
Recognizing that there is a growing gap between
the demands for utilities and the highly-skilled
workers to carry out that demand, the training
programs provides an excellent resource for the
organization.
Partnering with local Colleges and building
relationships. Working within their co-op
programs i.e. Georgian College and Conestoga
College has allowed PowerStream to draw on
skilled candidates for our programs in Metering,
Stations, P & C, System Control and Lines.