Fanshawe College is on the hunt for local employers willing to help train the next generation of carpenters, welders, and mechanics.
The college issued a call for employers interested in hosting work placements for graduates of its free pre-apprenticeship programs on Thursday.
"We look forward to working with employers to help set up this group of willing and enthusiastic participants for skilled trades success,” said Julie Neufeld, project coordinator of the pre-apprenticeship programs. “Together we can strengthen the future of skilled trades in Ontario by building the confidence, competencies and career options for the next generation of skilled tradespeople.”
Students in the pre-apprentice programs in carpentry, welding, and automotive service technicians complete 18 weeks of hands-on training at the college in order to become Level 1 certified apprentices. Once they have achieved that they are required to complete a 12-week paid work placement in their related trade between October 2023 and January 2024.
The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has provided $1.3 million to fund the three pre-apprentice programs at Fanshawe. The funds are part of a province-wide investment of more than $28 million in pre-apprenticeships.
“The skilled trades offer meaningful, well-paying careers where you can buy a home and start a family,” said Monte McNaughton, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development. “Our government is proud to invest in free pre-apprenticeship programs to give students a hand up to better jobs and bigger paycheques. I urge any skilled trades employers in London looking to support the next generation to contact Fanshawe and see how they can participate.”
According to McNaughton, the province will need 100,000 more skilled trade workers over the next decade.
Employers who want to participate or learn more about hosting a work placement can email Neufeld at jneufeld@fanshawec.ca.
