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Need a Career? Learn a Trade, Build Your Own!
06/30/2005 4:14 PM
URL: http://www.uc411.com/mohawk_article.asp

So you’ve finished high school and, like many students, you’re wondering: “Now what?!”. Well, there’s no better time than now to consider an education in a trades and technology field. Employment demographics predict that by 2011 retirements from the workforce will exceed new entrants, and in the next two decades, 40% of new jobs will be in skilled trades and technology. In 1998, that number was less than 20%.

If you’re qualified in the skilled trades and technology area you’ll be in a position to capitalize on this opportunity, and the best way to become qualified is through an ‘apprenticeship’.

An ‘apprenticeship’ is a hands-on approach to education for those who enjoy learning by doing. The training you’ll receive in an apprenticeship will offer you a gateway to well-paying jobs that will challenge you to develop a high level of skills and expertise, while still allowing you to be creative. The demands of an apprenticeship are balanced by the rewards: you’ll be paid while gaining valuable work experience, and your wages increase as your skills develop.

Employers or sponsors provide about 90% of apprenticeship training to meet standards of skill and safety set by industry. To become an apprentice, you must first find an employer who is willing to train you. Such positions are seldom advertised. Instead, employers usually rely on word of mouth to seek applicants for apprenticeships. Individuals who are interested in becoming apprentices often apply directly to an employer or union. The remaining apprenticeship training involves classroom instruction on theory that is usually offered at community colleges. If you’re interested in pursuing an apprenticeship, and are looking for a simpler way to access such programs, Mohawk College is one of the best choices in the country.

Mohawk Leads the Way

Mohawk College is one of the premier institutions in Canada for those who seek training in the realm of skilled trades work and apprenticeships. Not convinced? Over 3,000 students are enrolled in skilled trades programs at the institution, making Mohawk College the largest apprenticeship trainer in Ontario.

The school’s dedicated faculty is a huge reason why many apprentices attend MC. Mohawk College’s reputation alone attracts applicants from great distances who’ve heard of the professors’ skills and dedication, the cutting-edge programs and the technologically current shops. As Piero Cherubini, Chair of Engineering Technology at Mohawk points out:

“Schools are more than just brick and mortar.”

The quality and commitment of the professors creates a positive learning environment. This benefit of such a learning environment is clear in how the employment success rate and employer satisfaction ratings of Mohawk grads.

Awards and Commendations

In 2001 and 2004 Mohawk College’s Faculty of Engineering Technology was awarded the prestigious Yves Landry Award of Excellence in recognition of its Integrated Technician Apprenticeship Programs. The Yves Landry Foundation was established in an effort to resolve the shortage of skilled labour in Canada, with the goal of advancing technological education and skills training.

A major leader in the automotive industry, Ontario manufactured more light trucks than any other North American region in 1997. Constant developments in this sector mean that the industry is undergoing exciting changes; consumers want vehicles that perform better, are competitively priced and environmentally-friendly.

Mohawk College rises to the occasion to address the evolving needs of the automotive industry by working closely with the major players to keep their apprenticeship programs at the forefront of skilled trades education, as Chair of Engineering Technology Piero Cherubini notes:

“We have strong ties with local industry. Many Employers sit on program advisory committees and continually provide advice and guidance on curriculum issues as well as latest trends in the industry.”

The results are programs that give students an edge: “Mohawk’s innovative approach to apprenticeships enhances the learning experience for our apprentices” Cherubini notes, “because we can confidently state that the training here is current and valid in today’s industry.”

GM Partnership

The school’s special partnership with General Motors is further proof of the college’s ability to keep pace. Mohawk College offers one of only a handful of such GM partnerships in Ontario. In fact, the college’s Stoney Creek campus program features one of the only shops dedicated exclusively to GM training by a college in Ontario. Equipped with computers and state-of-the-art GM technology, the shop and adjoining classroom sit at the forefront of motive skills education. In addition to these factors, Mohawk College professors are trained throughout the year on the latest GM products and technologies to ensure that students keep pace with industry developments.

Apprenticeship Programs

Mohawk College features 17 different traditional apprenticeship programs designed to give grads a head-start in their skilled trades and technology careers. Ranging from Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic to Truck and Coach Technician, these programs combine in-class study where the apprentice learns the theory which supports all phases of the trade, with on-the-job training under the supervision of a qualified journeyperson.

The Motive Power Techniques apprenticeship program is a one-year, (35-week) certificate apprenticeship program that aims to:

• Provide skills for employment in motive power occupations
• Provide easier access to apprenticeship training
• Prepare graduates for further technical studies at the College level

Admission Requirements

Admission to Mohawk’s apprenticeship programs requires the basics. If you have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent with:
grade 12 general, advanced C or U and mathematics - grade 10 general, advanced, applied or academic, you meet the admission requirements and are set to apply. Applicants with other qualifications are considered on an individual basis.

Career Opportunities

With Mohawk’s apprenticeship program, grads can enter the industry confident that they are equipped with a fairly advanced level of motive power skills. The program provides the ability to access apprenticeship training more easily as grads will already have a number of skills at the apprenticeship level.

Mohawk’s Motive Power Techniques program is directed at motive power occupations such as Automotive Service Technician, Automotive Marketing and Manufacturing, Sales of Parts and Components and Parts Management. Also, further training in motive power or a related mechanical area at the post secondary level is an option.

Canadian Automotive Industry power players agree that Mohawk College’s Integrated Technician Apprenticeship programs are what the sector needs:

“These programs” states Don Pether, President and CEO of Dofasco, “have proven to be an excellent way to help address the skills shortage we are currently facing, providing an opportunity for the economic advancement for young people in our community.”

“Stelco is proud to be associated with the apprenticeship program and offers its congratulation to the college. This model presented by Mohawk College is an exceptional one,” says Ron McClure, chief Human Resources Officer for Stelco, Inc.

Mohawk College receives considerable donations from employers because of the strong reputation of its apprenticeship programs. This financial assistance, along with the advice and insight from employers and industry leaders, help Mohawk College keep their training shops up to current industry standards.

With demand rising and the supply of skilled trades workers falling, it’s clear to see why a career in skilled trades and technology makes great career sense. Mohawk College is an ideal place for you pursue a challenging education at a cutting-edge facility, recognized and awarded for excellence, that works hand in hand with top employers in the industry. And the job prospects are great. If you’re ready to take an exciting leap in life, consider Mohawk College’s apprenticeship programs!