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Over 90 people gathered on Monday in the newly reopened Machine Shop on Cornwall campus to celebrate the outstanding support of RBC Foundation and learn the next steps in SLC’s plan to address the critical shortage of skilled tradespeople in Eastern Ontario.
At the heart of the event was a $100,000 gift from RBC Foundation to launch SLC Skills Start, a new program designed to address the critical shortage of Millwrights in the Cornwall area, offered at no direct cost to participants. RBC Foundation’s gift removed financial barriers to beginning a new career in the Millwright trade, and provided wraparound supports including childcare stipends and participant toolkits. The inaugural cohort of SLC Skills Start participants have completed nine weeks of in-class instruction, and will soon embark on an eight-week paid work placement.
As part of the festivities, Glenn Vollebregt, SLC President and CEO, announced that SLC Cornwall campus was approved by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) to be a Training Delivery Agent (TDA) for 433A Industrial Mechanic Millwright Apprenticeship. This TDA approval is a game-changer, opening the door for millwright apprentices to access training in Cornwall, when, previously, the closest training location was at Kingston campus.
Industry professionals, government representatives, community members, SLC staff, students and alumni engaged in demonstrations of new equipment, led by SLC Skills Start participants.
To learn more about upcoming 433A Industrial Mechanic Millwright Apprenticeship training in Cornwall, please contact Christine Ferguson at apprenticeship@sl.on.ca.
To learn more about SLC Skills Start, made possible through support from RBC Foundation, click here.
For media coverage of Monday’s event, see below:
For more information about donor support, please email development@sl.on.ca.