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Education/training

Getting wired to become a winner

Every senior high school student faces decisions about the future. And in this regard, Dianna Rupnarine, of Central Technical School, is no exception.

AUNIE EDWARDS

[ 2002-06-26 ]

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Working at the TTC, OYAP student Dianna Rupnarine (left) learns the skills and expertise to become a electrician from lead hand George Pethick.

Initially, Rupnarine's ambitions took two different forms, but it was her inherent talent that tipped the balance toward her present path. "I thought I wanted to become a mechanic," Rupnarine says. "But my teachers pointed out my ability with electrical wiring and I started to realize that I would enjoy the challenges of an electrician's apprenticeship."

Rupnarine's desire to pursue electrical work was solidified when she entered a Skills Canada competition in April. For the district of Toronto, Rupnarine won a silver medal in residential wiring and a gold in industrial wiring. And, if that wasn't enough to clinch her decision, she went on to take the provincial silver in industrial wiring.

But it takes more than talent to guarantee success. In Rupnarine's case, it takes three dedicated educators at Central Tech, a forward thinking management team at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the excellent opportunities provided by the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).

Tony D'Assisi is one of Rupnarine's co-op teachers at Central Tech. "My help is only a part of it," says D'Assisi.

"Together with Edward Sedlack and Phil Pocock, we represent one consolidated effort. And that effort is to open doors."

One of those doors was a co-op work placement for Rupnarine at the TTC. "This is a learn-by-doing opportunity for Dianna,"says Ray Bateman, electrical superintendent at the TTC. "We have 250 electricians in the department -- it's an excellent environment where she can assist in some heavy duty wiring."

Rupnarine will return to Central Tech for one last term in September. "We hope that Dianna will apply for an apprenticeship with us after she has completed her high school requirements," Bateman says.

"But we can't take her on as an apprentice until she picks up those last credits."

The reason for this stipulation is proof that the TTC also has the student's best interests in mind. Bateman explains: "We offer a paid apprenticeship -- and we don't want paid work to dissuade a student from his or her education."

Rupnarine is on the right track to achieve that education and retain her connection at the placement. "Dianna has been doing well at the TTC -- we keep in touch and all the feedback has been good," D'Assisi says. "Of course, this improves Dianna's chances of returning to the TTC for her electrician's apprenticeship."

Such an achievement would be a winning scenario for Rupnarine. "The electricians here are great," Rupnarine says. "They are letting me get involved -- I'm really enjoying the work."

Rupnarine's time spent as a student employee will be applied to her apprenticeship and her college co-op will also be fully funded through OYAP. Says Bateman, "There's really no down side to Dianna's situation."

Rupnarine needs 9,000 apprentice hours before she can qualify for her electrician's license. She will also need three blocks of college classes. A full apprenticeship will take between four and five years to complete.

Rupnarine is well on her way to achieving all of her goals. "By the time Dianna graduates, she will have between 500 and 1,000 hours credited toward her apprenticeship," D'Assisi says.

But Rupnarine's enthusiasm is rooted in more than the sum of her hours accumulated. It is rooted in the confidence that she has not only decided her future, she has found the path to lead her to it.

Education requirements

Students must complete a minimum of three in-school credits per year.

Schools are required to monitor the program offered in the workplace to ensure it meets secondary school credit requirements.

To receive their high school diploma, students must still complete all compulsory credits.

Apprenticeship requirements

Students must be placed with a qualified employer.

Students must follow an on-the-job training program based on the specific standards for the trade. They may also receive related theoretical instruction.