Skilled tradespeople are essential for the vibrancy of NWT communities. To help meet the growing need for northern-based tradespeople, Aurora College is adding seven new trades and apprenticeship programs to an already robust roster.
Three new Fundamentals programs – Pipe Trades, Mechanics and Welding – will deliver a combination of hands-on and academic coursework to prepare individuals for Level 1 apprenticeship exams and provide students with valuable skills to help them enter the trades. The College recently introduced Fundamentals of Carpentry and Fundamentals of Electrical as well.
Apprenticeship options will be expanded, with the addition of Automotive Service Technician Levels 1 & 2, Plumbing Level 3, and Heavy Equipment Technician Level 3 (Off Road). Current Carpentry, Plumbing and Electrician apprenticeship programs will be upgraded with new tools and technology.
Funding for the new programs and equipment is through a $625,018 grant from the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) – Investments in Training Equipment Stream. UTIP is part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s response to the skilled trades workforce’s most pressing needs, including addressing barriers to successfully entering skilled trades, addressing the housing crisis, and increasing net-zero construction to help fuel economic growth. This investment by the Government of Canada will help Aurora College ensure trainees have access to the most up-to-date technology so they can meet and exceed industry standards and is part of Aurora College’s commitment to enhancing and expanding trades training opportunities in the North.
