Niagara College opens pre-apprentice course for aspiring women technicians

Niagara College has developed a unique pre-apprenticeship program to encourage women in trades.

The initiative, designed as a stepping stone to a career in highly skilled trades such as auto repair and service, is open only to women.

“We know that women currently make up a very small percentage of the workforce in the automotive service sector, yet they present one of the industry’s greatest opportunities for growth,” said Jeff Murrell, Niagara College’s associate dean in the School of Trades.

The automotive service technician pre-apprenticeship program is one of three such programs offered by Niagara College.

The Canadian Government is responding to the growing skilled trades workforce shortage by offering an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women announced by Minister of Employment Patty Hajdu, in December.

The grant will provide women $3,000-$6,000 per year for a successfully completed apprenticeship program in eligible Red Seal trades, among which Automotive Service Technician is a recognized trade.

www.niagaracollege.ca

http://www.Canada.ca/apprenticeship-grants