Durham College (DC) is helping break down barriers to entry into the skilled trades by partnering with industry on an innovative program aimed at helping to prepare people for millwrighting apprenticeships.

On December 6, an all-Indigenous group of 11 students successfully completed the UBC Millwright Local 2309 Toronto and Local 1410 Kingston Introduction to Millwrighting (ITM) program.

Participants in the five-week program received personalized support and training—including academic upgrading support from DC—to prepare them to write their millwright aptitude test so they could begin a millwright apprenticeship.

This program opens new doors to the skilled trades for graduates and offers a pathway to apprenticeships and careers built on excellence.

“At Durham College, we’re proud to support the success of the all-Indigenous Introduction to Millwrighting program,” said Meagan Quesnelle, Manager, Academic Upgrading and School College Work Initiative. “Through our Academic Upgrading program, we help students build the foundation they need to succeed in rewarding careers.”

Michaela Gervais is among the group of successful students who completed the program, and she said DC faculty made the experience memorable for her.

“Durham College played a crucial part in furthering our knowledge and success,” said Gervais. “Thank you for making this amazing opportunity possible.”

Quesnelle added that the initiative showcases the power of collaboration and the importance of creating pathways to opportunity.

“We’re honoured to be part of this journey, alongside our incredible partners.”

The Millwright Regional Council’s (MRC) partners for the Introduction to Millwrighting program included Durham College, Ontario Power Generation, Kagita Mikam Aboriginal Employment & Training, Aecon Group Inc., and Black & McDonald Limited.

DC has supported similar programs in the past including providing academic upgrading support for a cohort of women completing the ITM program.

Are you interested in a skilled trades career? Explore programs available at DC including our Mechanical Technician – Millwright program.

If you’re missing prerequisite courses for a college program, need help improving your grades or attaining your high school equivalency, consider DC’s free academic upgrading services. Learn more online or consider attending one of our upcoming information sessions.