September marks a return to the classroom for children and youth, but it now also means back to school for adults wanting to gain or upgrade skills in the Motive Power Trades.
The Upper Canada District School Board’s TR Leger School of Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education is offering free trades training and apprenticeship opportunities for those interested in becoming a Truck and Coach Technician, Agricultural Equipment Technician or Heavy Equipment Technician.
Starting in September, TR Leger will offer a 12-week hybrid program for individuals who are already registered as apprentices and are looking to complete their Level 1 Commercial Vehicle and Equipment Apprenticeship certification as a Truck and Coach Technician, Heavy Equipment Technician, or an Agricultural Equipment Technician.
This course allows participants to complete theory lessons online in their own time and attend in-person classes on Fridays and every other Thursday at the newly-established TR Leger Apprenticeship Centre at Kemptville Campus.
The second program in this field that will start in September at the same location is the Commercial Vehicle and Equipment PreApprenticeship Program. This program is aimed at adults with some knowledge and experience in the Motive Power Trades who are looking for apprenticeship training, and those who are considering a new career path.
What is unique about this program is that individuals will receive the 10-week in-class training for the Level 1 Commercial Vehicle and Equipment Apprenticeship and then have 12 weeks of paid work placements, four weeks in each sector.
“Skilled tradespeople are in high demand and these programs that we have developed with our community and industry partners will help address local labour shortages in the trades,” says UCDSB Chair John McAllister. “These programs will help unemployed or underemployed people get experience in the trades that could ultimately lead them to well-paying jobs.”
Both of these adult programs are fully funded by the government, so there are no tuition fees or other costs associated with enrollment. Registration is open with space still available.
TR Leger will be hosting an open house on Tuesday, August 23 at the Apprenticeship Centre at Kemptville Campus, 40 Curtis Drive, from 10 11 am for anyone interested in learning more about these programs. More information can also be found on the TR Leger website or by calling 1-877875-3437 ext. 0.