| “Mohawk
College, which now leads the province in providing apprenticeships,
deserves congratulations for its forward-looking plan to transform its
Stoney Creek campus into a major centre for skilled trades training and
apprenticeships. The ambitious plan is a natural fit for Hamilton which
has the light and heavy industrial base to provide both apprenticeships
and long-term career employment. It’s a natural fit in terms of timing,
as well. Beyond the demand for skilled and trained workers, there is
finally recognition among students and their parents that skilled
trades are a rewarding, often high-paying, career option.” The
Hamilton Spectator Mohawk College is southern Ontario’s
premier educational destination for skilled trades, training over 3,000
new apprentices each year. As the Greater Golden Horseshoe gets ready
for an economic renaissance, Mohawk is kick-starting its plans to
transform the Stoney Creek campus into a state-of-the-art Skilled
Trades & Apprenticeship Research, Resources and Training facility,
the Mohawk STARRT Institute. The STARRT Institute will
almost double the number of skilled trades workers available to
industry and deliver 35 percent more apprentices to the region. It will
innovate by infusing applied research and innovation (R&I) into the
core of its curriculum, partnering with industry on projects that
benefit business and train skilled young minds. Delivering
sophisticated knowledge and experiential training, STARRT will educate
the skilled worker of the future to meet industry’s growing demands. Across
the nation, industry is facing a shortage of labour that threatens the
vitality of our economy. Over 50 percent of workers are set to retire
within 15-20 years as the baby boom generation ages. According to the
Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the province will be short 100,000 skilled
tradespeople and apprentices by 2020. Employers are requiring more
highly advanced skill sets to keep pace with technological progression.
Within this context, Mohawk’s skilled trades and apprenticeship
education has never been so critical. The Mohawk
STARRT Institute will be a strategic advantage to the region’s
competitiveness. By expanding capacity for the College’s numerous
skilled trades programs, STARRT will provide a qualified, professional
labour force to fuel industry expansion and help the region maintain
its position as Ontario’s number one location for business. The
Mohawk STARRT Institute will be the flagship centre for education in
high demand trades such as building and construction, chemical and
environmental technology, mechanical and industrial technology, and
trucking and automotive mechanics. Mohawk will build a modern facility
with 88,000 square feet of additional space and refurbish existing
structures to provide a total of 4,600 students with new labs,
classrooms and shops. STARRT will also have the following special
features: Awareness Resources Centre Featuring
audio-visual exhibits, ongoing tours and events, the 9,000 square foot
Resources Centre will promote the benefits of skilled trades and
apprenticeships to middle and high school students, parents and
prospective applicants. The Dofasco Enterprise Training & Research Centre The
Training and Research Centre will be a new 14,000 square foot space
designed to facilitate a dynamic interaction between college and
industry – a site to deliver corporate training and a hub for applied
research and innovation. The Gerald Marshall Truck & Coach Centre The
Truck and Coach Centre will house Mohawk’s truck and trailer programs,
supplying skilled workers for the rapidly expanding transportation
industry. The new facility will have a large internal shop that can
accommodate up to three full-sized tractor trailers for training. The
STARRT Institute will also provide career planning and development, and
help new immigrants tap into the potential of skilled trades. As
Hamilton is the third largest destination for immigrants in Ontario,
Mohawk will introduce bridging programs so that new immigrants can
apply their skills here to become valued resources for our industries.
The Institute will be a catalyst for research and innovation, and a
leading centre of skilled trades expertise for industry and all
students with an interest in upgrading to trades. After
touring Mohawk, we decided it was important to make a major
contribution to the College. With good people already so hard to find,
we have to help Mohawk grow and provide the best possible facilities
for students. It’s a big thing for our industry, and I am sure for
others, because in a few years I don’t know how we are going to find
anybody qualified to hire other wise. Wayne Marshal, Co-Owner Marshall
Truck & Trailer Repair On their family and company donating
$1.2-million to Mohawk. |