Apprenticeship Training Opportunities. Both the Employer and the Union recognize the value of a highly skilled workforce and as such, the parties have therefore agreed to xxxxxx the enhancement of skill development of employees through the promotion and implementation of an Apprenticeship Training Program (the “Program”). The Employer agrees to seek interested internal employees who meet the necessary training pre-requisites and are minimally qualified as established by the Employer for the apprenticeship opportunity prior to hiring outside apprentices. Each employee who enters the Program will complete the Program in its entirety and in accordance with the Apprenticeship Act of the Province of Alberta and will remain in the employ of the RMWB for a minimum period of five (5) years following completion of the Program. Failure to fulfill either or both of these conditions will result in a requirement for the employee to repay to the RMWB the tuition costs of the Program paid on behalf of the employee by the Employer. In the event that an employee partially completes the Program, or fails to remain in the employ of the RMWB for a full five (5) years subsequent to completing the Program, the amount of tuition to be repaid shall be pro- rated accordingly. This requirement for repayment of tuition or years of service will be waived should the employee find it necessary to withdraw from the Program for medical reasons. An apprentice must complete the Program within six (6) calendar years. An apprenticeship rate shall be established using the applicable graduated scale: Four (4) Year Trade Apprenticeship Program Commencement 70% of Journeyman Rate After successful first calendar year 75% of Journeyman Rate After successful second calendar year 80% of Journeyman Rate After successful third calendar year 90% of Journeyman Rate After successful completion and Apprenticeship Board exam(s) Journeyman Rate Three (3) Year Trade Apprenticeship Program Commencement 70% of Journeyman Rate After successful first calendar year 80% of Journeyman Rate After successful second calendar year 90% of Journeyman Rate After successful completion and Apprenticeship Board exam(s) Journeyman Rate The Parties further agree to the following:
