City School by Mohawk launching second mobile classroom

City School by Mohawk College officially opened a second mobile classroom today, bringing greater access to apprenticeship training and college education in high-priority areas of the community.

This mobile unit offers a multi-purpose state-of-the-art classroom that measures 93 square metres (1,000 square feet) to deliver key apprenticeship and trades training in industry sectors where workforce demand is great. The Government of Canada, through the Skilled Trades Awareness & Readiness Training (START) program, announced $4,084,635 in funding last May to support Mohawk College and the Marshall School of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship with this initiative.

START encourages more women, Indigenous people, newcomers, people with disabilities and youth, to pursue careers in the skilled trades through career exploration, skills training and work experience.

City School’s first mobile classroom was launched in fall 2017 to deliver free trades training in in welding, HVAC and general construction to people in neighbourhoods throughout and around Hamilton. In three years, that mobile classroom has delivered training in six different locations and has seen more than 220 students pass through its doors.

The first students in the new mobile classroom will be pursuing careers in the horticulture industry and may continue their training in Mohawk College’s Horticulture Technician program. This mobile classroom is also scheduled to move to McQuesten Urban Farm in the McQuesten Neighbourhood and then will be stationed at Heddle Marine at the Hamilton Harbour.

“We are excited to open City School’s second mobile classroom today, building on the success we have experienced over the past three years. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for its partnership as we work together to create career pathways in apprenticeship and trades occupations. Creating a skilled workforce is critical for our local economy to remain competitive. This second mobile classroom and the START program will help make that happen.” - Ron McKerlie, President, Mohawk College

“Our Government is working hard to make sure that young people have access to the skills training they need to succeed. This innovative mobile classroom project is helping Hamiltonians prepare for good jobs in the skilled trades, build better lives for themselves and make their community stronger. I am proud that Mohawk College is taking a leadership role in helping to develop students in this way.” - The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour