With the continued support of Employment Ontario under the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD), Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO) received a second round funding from the Provincial Skills Development Fund (SDF) for the Certi-Fire program to enhance its training capabilities in the fire alarm industry.

In Spring 2021, the Certi-Fire program received the first round of SDF funding to expand the courses in a COVID-19 friendly environment, by delivering programs online to accommodate “at-home-learning” for the “in-person-classroom” training. It was a great achievement for Certi-Fire!

The second round of SDF funding allows us to develop Virtual Reality (VR) Certi-Fire Lab Assessment; where a wearable device allows participants to learn to wire a fire panel, is currently under way.

Good news about this VR technology - we will be able to provide training in an innovative method that will eliminate the traditional need for large physical spaces and large capital investments. It will also resolve the indoor setting limitations and the geographical issues that were a barrier due to COVID-19.

ECAO is pleased to offer a limited, one time, opportunity for free LEVEL ONE Certi-Fire Training for IBEW members, and individuals who are 309A licensed electricians, or minimum third term apprentices with intermediate trade school. This promotion is on a first-come-first served basis, and applies to Level 1 only, within the given period of time. This free tuition offer will end on March 31, 2023 or until the seats are filled, whichever comes first.

*** Don’t miss this chance to become a Certi-Fire Fire Alarm Electrician who can provide one stop electrical services – install, test, verify, and maintain all fire alarm needs!!! ***

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at contactus@certifire.org

Read Full Announcement Here

In a world where everything is measured, tracked, recorded, and where ‘Big Data’ is here to stay, we continue to operate at neck breaking speeds. We are running at frenetic paces to be everywhere and be everything to everyone. The result? Burnout, and it is not a new concept. In fact, it’s existed for decades. However, with more options and opportunities than we’ve ever had before, shouldn’t we be healthier and happier? The truth is yes, but the reality is the opposite. Over time, we’ve mismanaged our energy and we’ve become severely distracted.

So here are 3 reasons how capacity management could reduce burnout and increase retention.

1. Assessing your team’s capacity: By frequently monitoring your team’s collective capacity, you’re better poised to manage the busiest times of the year by deploying the right resources at the right times. Being in a reactive mode for too long can erode your team’s capacity, thus having an impact on your deliverables and profitability.
2. Scheduling down time: Every company struggles to allocate the appropriate amount of down time due to variability in business demand. But by ensuring that your team is aware of scheduled ‘rest and recovery’ periods, you can be more confident they will manage their energy accordingly.
3. Selecting the right people for the job: Many managers over-leverage the same high-capacity employees to work on important projects. Unfortunately, this can lead to retention issues as well as burning out your staff. Ensuring that you understand how to best leverage your talent is critical to keeping your team productive and united.

Link to capacity assessment 

While less than 1% of cars on the road in December 2021 were electric, that could soon change, considering news that 38 new electric vehicle models may hit showroom floors by 2023. As Americans are increasingly considering EVs, the influx of these vehicles requires a network of charging stations to support them.



Much of the focus has been directed at electric grid capacity to accommodate future EV charging on a large scale, said Kevin Morgan, chairman of the Fiber Broadband Association and chief marketing officer of Clearfield. He has been looking beyond that short-term worry to the bigger picture of connectivity. 

Read More

Where: Austin Convention Center, Austin, Texas

When: Saturday, October 15 – Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Registration is open for the 2022 NECA Convention & Trade Show in Austin, TX. Attendees will gain access to industry-leading education and top-notch speakers to keep you at the forefront of the electrical contracting industry. With sessions on a wide range of topics, NECA Austin has both your professional growth and your company’s future covered!

Register Today!

TeksMed is excited to tell you about the newest benefits available to your employees, as part of your ECAO membership: QuikCare Platinum and QuikCare Mental Wellness.

Quick Care Platinum: When an employee’s physician recommends a diagnostic scan, or refers them to see a specialist in one of the below mentioned specialties, and the wait time is greater than 21 days, they can simply contact the QuikCare Platinum Helpline at 1-833-355-ECAO (3226) for rapid

intervention. TeksMed will liaise with the employee to obtain the required documentation to utilize our exclusive network of specialists and diagnostic imaging services. Appointments typically occur within two weeks, as opposed to the months it may take in the public healthcare system.

Quick Care Mental Wellness: QuikCare Mental Wellness aims to provide an accessible and clinically proven resource for the improvement of mental health, which your employees can access from the privacy and comfort of their own home, helping them learn techniques to better manage negative moods and stress. Your employees can

simply contact the confidential QuikCare Mental Wellness Helpline at 1-833-355-ECAO (3226) for rapid assistance, and TeksMed will look to obtain the required information needed to arrange for an assessment to be conducted. The worker will then be connected with a therapist, who will guide them along the 12-week long cognitive behavioural therapy program.

Learn More