51 min

Episode 198. The Changes and Challenges in Training Today’s Apprentices with Mark Parliament The Refrigeration Mentor Podcast

    • Self-Improvement

In this episode of the Refrigeration Mentor podcast, host Trevor Matthews talks with Mark Parliament, Fire College Instructor with the Office of the Fire Marshal in Ontario and longtime HVAC technician and teacher, about mentorship and proper training in the trades. Mark shares his thoughts on the challenges facing apprentices today, including lack of proper mentorship, inadequate training, and the need for a cultural shift in the industry towards embracing and investing in the education of newcomers. This episode also debunks myths about the skills required for trades and potential for lucrative careers within the trades. Mark also talks about skills competitions and his efforts to promote learning and excellence among students. This episode was recorded at the 2024 Canadian Mechanical and Plumbing Expo (CMPX).
In this episode, Trevor and Mark discuss:
Addressing the challenges in trade education and skills development The need to promote trades in high school Boosting confidence and skills for apprentices Accelerating timelines for Red Seal accreditation The challenges with modern apprenticeship programs The impact of age and experience on learning and career transition Improving training quality and the importance of mentorship Skills competitions and elevating trade education The impact of technology on the trades Getting into HVAC as a second career Advice for technicians and business owners


Canadian Mechanical and Plumbing Expo (CMPX)
Skills Ontario Competition 
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI)
Mark Parliament on LinkedIn
REGISTER HERE for the next 12 Week Advanced CO2 Design Course (starts May 2024).
Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram
Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel
Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here
Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/
Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

In this episode of the Refrigeration Mentor podcast, host Trevor Matthews talks with Mark Parliament, Fire College Instructor with the Office of the Fire Marshal in Ontario and longtime HVAC technician and teacher, about mentorship and proper training in the trades. Mark shares his thoughts on the challenges facing apprentices today, including lack of proper mentorship, inadequate training, and the need for a cultural shift in the industry towards embracing and investing in the education of newcomers. This episode also debunks myths about the skills required for trades and potential for lucrative careers within the trades. Mark also talks about skills competitions and his efforts to promote learning and excellence among students. This episode was recorded at the 2024 Canadian Mechanical and Plumbing Expo (CMPX).
In this episode, Trevor and Mark discuss:
Addressing the challenges in trade education and skills development The need to promote trades in high school Boosting confidence and skills for apprentices Accelerating timelines for Red Seal accreditation The challenges with modern apprenticeship programs The impact of age and experience on learning and career transition Improving training quality and the importance of mentorship Skills competitions and elevating trade education The impact of technology on the trades Getting into HVAC as a second career Advice for technicians and business owners


Canadian Mechanical and Plumbing Expo (CMPX)
Skills Ontario Competition 
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI)
Mark Parliament on LinkedIn
REGISTER HERE for the next 12 Week Advanced CO2 Design Course (starts May 2024).
Refrigeration Mentor on Instagram
Refrigeration Mentor YouTube Channel
Upcoming Servicing Compressors, Supermarket and CO2 Trainings: Learn More Here
Learn More About Refrigeration Mentor: https://refrigerationmentor.com/
Get your FREE Service & Compressor Troubleshooting Guide: Access Here

51 min