The current collective agreement between the University and CAW Local 555, Unit 1, established a Joint Training Committee to identify and pursue strategic opportunities to enhance your access to, and participation in, training and professional development programs. The Joint Training Committee (collectively the University and CAW Local 555, Unit 1) engaged the services of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) to identify specific training that would be beneficial to employees who are members of CAW.

You helped us to develop training concepts by participating in a Needs Assessment survey in February 2011. And you recently helped us to select names for your training programs by completing a Program Naming survey in July 2011.

Now available are two 5-day programs designed to support you in your current role, and to help you plan for a bright and continued career at McMaster University. These programs will be scheduled as 5 individual training days over a period of 2 to 3 months. Please note that the full cost of these programs will be funded by the CAW Training Fund.

McMaster/CAW Joint Training Committee - Professional Development Programs

Program Information

“DREAM” PROGRAM – Developing Resources and Education for Advancement at McMaster

This program speaks to the topics that were most highly identified in the needs assessment survey. It is designed to help you manage your workload and projects more efficiently, to collaborate and communicate with ease in a team environment, and to approach your future at McMaster with optimism and intention.

Program Outline

Winter 2012 Session, 9am-4pm (sessions held at DTC)
February 13, March 5, March 19, March 26, April 16

  • This is a general program open to CAW Local 555, Unit 1 Members employed by McMaster University, who have completed their probationary period.
  • Participants are not required to make up the time spent away from roles to attend training sessions.

  • This program is not intended for or available to TMG staff.

How to Register?

Registration for both offerings of the DREAM Program is now open! Admission is granted on a first-come/first-serve basis, and those who are not admitted will be added to a waiting list.

Download Registration Package. "Dream" Program Application and read the instructions carefully. Package must be fully completed and submitted in hard copy original to CCE.

Space is limited. Register now!

“ESTEEM” PROGRAM – Education in Supervision, Team Resourcing and Engaging Employees at McMaster (Pilot) *NEW

If you supervise people and projects in your current role, this program will give you the tools and confidence to effectively lead projects, manage workflow, engage with various stakeholders within and outside the University, and to identify future opportunities within the University.

Program Outline

  • This program is open to CAW Local 555, Unit 1 Members who have supervisory capacity in their current role, overseeing the work of other McMaster staff, or external contractors.
  • Participants are not required to make up the time spent away from roles to attend training sessions.
  • This program is not intended for or available to TMG staff.

Winter 2012 Sessions, 9am-4pm (sessions held at DTC)
February 28, March 6, March 20, March 27, April 10

Registration for the ESTEEM Program is now open! Admission will be granted on a first-come/first-serve basis, and those who are not admitted will be added to a waiting list.

Download Registration Package "ESTEEM" Program Application and read the instructions carefully. Package must be fully completed and submitted in hard copy original to CCE.

Space is Limited. Register now!

Withdrawing from the DREAM or ESTEEM Programs

Participants who wish to withdraw within seven calendar days, or less, prior to the start of the program will have an administrative fee billed to their department. In order to withdraw, the participant must submit the request via e-mail to

Program Contacts

Kim Wiebe, Program Associate (Registration & General Queries)

Jenni Allerton, Program Manager