Thirteen students from the surrounding area have just wrapped up a 12-week program that will give them a Level 1 certification program in either Agricultural Equipment Technician, Heavy Equipment Technician, or Truck and Coach Technician.
This program was fully funded and was offered two nights a week in addition to Saturdays to allow anyone working full time to be able to attend. On Saturday, March 11, students had their final exam to wrap up the first Micro-Credentials training program, the first of its kind in the area. This will allow the successful graduates to start the apprenticeship with over 57 industry partners working with course instructor Anthony McKay.
Mr. Mckay was brought on board by the UCDSB to develop this level one curriculum. “There are no barriers to success,” he said, giving an example that one of his students, Sean, is currently working for the government and has decided to try and garner new skills in the power trades.
Mr. Mackay explained that “We are waiting for the approval of funding from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to see if there will be another year of a fully funded program, which would start up again in April and run until March of 2024.”
Brooke Bradley, a student taking part in the program, offered a demonstration of skills she has developed from the program. “This program is fun and accommodating, and I am looking forward to completion!”, she added.
A huge thank you to the companies that are offering these students the opportunity to complete their apprenticeship, and wishing the students the best of luck as they begin their journey in the trades.
More information on this program can be found at trleger.ucdsb.on.ca/skilledtrades.
