Industrial Mechanical Millwright, General Carpenter and Industrial Electrician programs to begin in September

The demand for skilled trade workers continues to grow across Ontario and the Niagara region as the need for well-trained, highly skilled workers increases. Looking to help meet this demand, Niagara College is pleased to announce the creation of three new apprenticeship training programs; Industrial Mechanic Millwright, General Carpenter and Industrial Electrician.

Starting in September 2021, the new apprenticeship training programs will be available to registered apprentices needing to complete their in-school training.

“We are proud to offer these three new apprenticeship programs at Niagara College,” says Jeff Murrell, associate dean, School of Trades. “We saw an increased need for these skills from employers in our community and we are looking forward to providing the technical, hands-on learning experiences that registered apprentices need to complete their training for these lucrative, in-demand trades.”

The Industrial Mechanic Millwright, General Carpenter and Industrial Electrician apprenticeship programs will be offered as night classes which will allow apprentices to continue working while completing their in-school training. Classes will run from September – June and will take place two nights a week for three hours.

Local employers have expressed their excitement about the creation of the new programs and are looking forward to working with Niagara College on apprenticeship opportunities.

“The Niagara Home Builders’ Association is thrilled about the creation of the General Carpenter Apprentice program at Niagara College”, says Chuck McShane, executive officer of the Niagara Home Builders Association. “The NHBA, along with the Ontario and Canadian Home Builders’ Associations are continually advocating for youth to become involved in the trades, and this program will encourage students to stay within the region as they train to become a carpenter. It will also allow them to complete their apprenticeship hours through local companies, leading to potential full time employment and career growth right here in Niagara.”

Jane Buunk, president of Niagara Precision Limited shared her pleasure for the creation of the Industrial Mechanic Millwright and Industrial Electrician programs.

“With Niagara being one of the central manufacturing hubs (seventh in North America) and a leader in the agri-food industries, we know the importance and value of well trained and skilled tradespeople. Since 1975, Niagara Precision Limited has been supporting and helping business grow by providing custom machining service that are cutting edge and evolving with industry standards and we are built on a strong foundation of proud and committed tradespeople that use their knowledge and experience to ensure the best workmanship for our clients,” says Buunk.

“It is apprenticeship programs, like the ones offered at Niagara College that give our tradespeople a strong foundation to begin their careers in the trades with both theoretical and practical learning. As a leader in precision CNC machining, we have hosted many talented Niagara College apprentices, and are very excited to hear that they are expanding programming to include industrial electricians, and millwrights. Niagara Precision Limited is a strong supporter of Training the Youth of Niagara, the future of manufacturing.”

Registered apprentices interested in the programs at Niagara College should contact the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to indicate their interest.

Those who do not have training agreements but are interested in the apprenticeship programs can apply for Niagara College’s one-year carpentry and renovation techniques, electrical techniques or mechanical techniques programs which all lead to apprenticeship opportunities. For a full list of Niagara Colleges trade programs, please visit the School of Trades webpage.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.