February 3rd & 4th, 2026– ECA Ottawa is proud to partner with SP Safety Solutions to provide world-class First Aid & CPR Training. Courses will be held on  February 3rd and 4th from 4:30pm-7:30pm at the OECA office located at 86 Greenfield Ave.

SP Safety Solutions offers WSIB Certified First Aid Training focusing on injuries and materials typically found on construction sites. They also include the role of the Ministry of Labour as it applies to accident scenes and reporting requirements. The goal of first aid is to give a sick or injured worker the best possible care before professional medical attention can be provided. This care should prevent further injury or illness, promote recovery, and reduce severity by providing an immediate and effective response.

To sign up for the course please fill in the following form and click submit. If you need to register more people submit the form and enter again with your company name and the attendees. If members of your staff cannot attend please contact the OECA office, stephanie@ecaottawa.ca, no later than 48 hours  prior to the course.

REGISTRATION:

Date Changed to September 8 & 9, 2025 – CANCELLED.

This Basics of Supervising Course will guide you through all aspects of supervising effectively from theidentification of hazards that are associated with Construction to how to protect yourself and your workers by beingaware of provincial legislation.

Supervising Topics:

• Legal Responsibilities
• MLITSD Health and Safety Awareness Training in 5 Steps for Supervisors
• Elements of Supervising
• Supervisor Safety Tasks
• The value of Safety Talks
• Workplace Inspections
• Accident Investigations
• Enforcing Health and Safety Rules
• Documentation
• Worker On-Site Orientation
• Site Emergencies
• Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Role of the Joint Health and Safety Committees
• Effective Communication

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

The Ottawa ECA and IBEW Local 586 are pleased to launch a new co-op apprenticeship recruitment initiative in partnership with local high schools. This program offers students a direct pathway to explore a career in the skilled trades while providing our member contractors with a strong pipeline of emerging talent. Registration and more information is below.

What is OYAP? – The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), a form of co-op program, that is a specialized high school program that gives students in Grade 12 the opportunity to:
  – Earn high school credits through co-op placements
  – Gain hands-on experience in the skilled trade
  – Begin their apprenticeship training while completing their diploma

How Does It Work?  
– Student Availability: 25 students are available each school term (25 in the fall and 25 in the winter).
– Company Participation: Each member company may request one student per term.
– Training: Students receive pre-apprenticeship training through the school board, covering – the skills required of a first-term apprentice. They are also officially registered with the Ministry of Labour.
– Placement: Students are placed with your company on a project site for the duration of the term. 
– Compensation: At the end of the term, each student receives a $5,000 payment through the program. An additional $5,000 is contributed to the IBEW Market Recovery Fund.
– Fall Timelines 2025: The last day of the Fall placement is Jan 22. Students do have the OPTION to continue accumulating hours until the 29th but it is not mandatory.

NEW – Winter 2025/26 Timelines: Registration is now open (see below). Students will be in training February 2-13, 2026. IBEW Orientation will follow on February 16, 2026. Students will be ready to start February 17, 2026. The last day of work will be June 17, 2026 are scheduled to be ready to start February 16 and the last day is June 17.

Payroll/T4
Regarding payroll and T4’s. The following are the two versions that can be used although #2 is recommended:
1. Payroll – You can put them on the payroll, pay them the wage, take deductions and remit a T4
2. Recommended: Scholarship/Grant – these types of programs are not taxable but should be reported and a T4A slip provided (Box 105).

What if the Student Is Not Working Out ?
Sometimes a student placement may not work out for a variety of reasons. If this happens, please contact the student’s teacher to make them aware of the situation. They will provide guidance and speak with the student to determine the best way forward. Please note that if a student does not successfully complete the program, they are not eligible for the $5,000 stipend, nor will the IBEW receive the associated payments.

PD Days and Breaks
Under the agreement with OYAP, students are required to work on PD days. They are not required to work on statuatory holidays and over the March Break. There is no WSIB coverage over the March break therefore the students should not be working.

How to Apply?
Spaces are limited—only 25 students are available per term (maximum of 50 per year). Placements are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. To participate, please complete the application form below.