St. Lawrence College (SLC) is pleased to announce that RBC Foundation has made a $100,000 gift in support of SLC Skills Start, a new program designed to address the critical shortage of skilled tradespeople in the Cornwall area, that will be offered at no direct cost to participants. The program launched in February 2025 at the newly renovated Machine Shop in Cornwall and media are invited to a grand reopening to be held on April 14, 2025, event details below.
SLC Skills Start will provide comprehensive training for 15 participants in Industrial Mechanic Millwright, combining nine weeks of in-class instruction with an eight-week paid work placement. The program aims to help address the projected retirement of 700,000 skilled tradespeople across Canada by 2028, and the increasing demand for trained Millwrights in Eastern Ontario.
The first cohort of Skills Start began in February and are off to a great start, according to participant, Chris Pedro. "I have worked in manufacturing and in factories for the last 15 years. I chose Skills Start because there is a need for millwrights in the world - skilled trades are in very high demand. This is something I always wanted to do," he said. "By the end of spring, I will be eligible to work as a Millwright."
"We are grateful for this generous donation from RBC Foundation, which removes significant financial barriers for individuals looking to start careers in the skilled trades," said Glenn Vollebregt, SLC President and CEO. "This gift from RBC Foundation will cover costs like tuition, textbooks, hand tools, and personal protective equipment, and remove additional barriers to participation with wraparound supports such as childcare subsidies. Support from RBC Foundation is making it possible for folks to access high-demand career opportunities, and SLC is thrilled to be continuing our efforts to deliver programs that map to labour market needs."
SLC Skills Start will provide comprehensive training for 15 participants in Industrial Mechanic Millwright, combining nine weeks of in-class instruction with an eight-week paid work placement. The program aims to help address the projected retirement of 700,000 skilled tradespeople across Canada by 2028, and the increasing demand for trained Millwrights in Eastern Ontario.
"RBC Foundation is committed to supporting projects that equip people with the skills needed for a thriving future," says Devinder Gill, RBC Regional President. "We're proud to offer support to SLC Skills Start to kick-start such a valuable program that helps address the shortage of skilled tradespeople in Canada."
The program includes:
-Level 1 Industrial Mechanic Millwright training
-Ministry of Labour Health and Safety Certificate
-Microcredentials in Inclusive Workplace Communications, Digital Literacy, and Workplace -Effectiveness
-Essential hand tools and safety equipment
-Guaranteed paid work placement with pre-screened employers
Additional support services, including childcare stipends and bus passes will be available to ensure the program is accessible to underrepresented and marginalized community members.
The February 2025 launch coincided with the completion of SLC's enhancement project to modernize and re-open the Machine Shop. Participants will train on industry-standard equipment, ensuring they are prepared for immediate workforce entry.
Click here for more Skills Start program details.
