Mohawk College and CLAC Partner to Expand and Accelerate Skilled Trades Training in Ontario
HAMILTON, ON August 11, 2026 | Mohawk College and the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at addressing urgent labour market needs through expanded skilled trades training capacity and accelerated apprenticeship pathways.
Through this agreement, CLAC and Mohawk College will collaborate on the development of classroom and lab space at CLAC’s location in Grimsby, a short distance from the college’s skilled trades campus in Stoney Creek. The added capacity the Grimsby location provides will help with the backlog of apprentices waiting for in-class training in high demand Red Seal Programs such as electrical, plumbing, welding and carpentry.
The collaboration aligns with the Government of Canada’s Team Canada Strong initiative, which aims to recruit, train and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal skilled trades workers by 2030-31. It also aligns with the province’s long standing push to get more people into the skilled trades.
“This partnership demonstrates how colleges and labour organizations can work together to solve urgent workforce challenges,” said Paul Armstrong, President of Mohawk College. “By expanding access to high-quality, hands-on apprenticeship training, we are helping more people move into in-demand careers while supporting the skilled talent pipeline employers need to grow Ontario’s economy.”
Rooted in a shared commitment to workforce development, the partnership brings together Mohawk College’s strength in industry-led skilled trades education with CLAC’s direct connection to workers and workforce needs in the field. Mohawk and CLAC will work together to identify skills gaps in the trades and respond with targeted, industry-informed programming. They will also explore how they can support accelerated learning pathways and integrate emerging technologies into trades education based on worker experience and insight, from the field.
“Ontarians need the breadth, depth and expertise of our community colleges, to serve the vast number of prospective tradespeople who come from all corners of the province,” said Ian DeWaard, CLAC Provincial Director. “This partnership strengthens our ability to support the next generation of skilled trades professionals by ensuring people have accessible pathways into well-paying, in-demand careers.”
Beyond physical infrastructure, the agreement commits both organizations to exploring future partnerships in applied research, workforce development, and emerging areas such as green construction, sustainable building practices, and next-generation skilled trades training. The facility is currently in the preliminary design stage, with plans to start the approvals process latter this year, and a ground breaking in early 2027.
Media contacts:
Andre Van Heerden
Communications Director
Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC)
416-906-0989
Meaghan Drury
Communications Specialist
Mohawk College
meaghan.drury@mohawkcollege.ca
About Mohawk College:
Mohawk College is a nationally recognized leader in applied research and education. Located in Hamilton, Ontario, the college serves more than 27,500 full-time, part-time and apprenticeship students annually across four main campuses. It offers nearly 200 industry-led programs spanning health, technology, aviation maintenance, skilled trades and climate action, and operates living classrooms embedded within industry partner sites. Since opening in 1967, more than 180,000 students have graduated from Mohawk College.
About CLAC:
CLAC is one of Canada’s largest independent national unions, with over 60,000 members working in a wide range of sectors—construction, education, emergency services, healthcare, retail, service, transportation, manufacturing, and more. CLAC (Christian Labour Association of Canada) was formed in 1952, based on the values of respect, dignity, and fairness.
Endorsements:
“Stoney Creek and Hamilton as a whole have long been known for their hard-working tradespeople. I am pleased to hear that reputation will continue to grow as Mohawk College and CLAC have partnered to get more apprentices the in-class training they need to succeed in growing fields such as welding, plumbing, carpentry and electrical work. The best way to ensure Canada continues to grow and prosper is to take care of those building it. I look forward to the valuable opportunities this will create for the residents of Hamilton East-Stoney Creek.”
- Ned Kuruc, MP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek
“Canada needs more skilled tradespeople, and meeting that challenge takes a Team Canada approach. Partnerships like this one between Mohawk College and CLAC are exactly how we get there - expanding apprenticeship training, opening doors to good, rewarding careers, and building the skilled workforce to move our country forward."
- Lisa Hepfner, MP for Hamilton Mountain
“The future of Hamilton's economy depends on a strong skilled trades workforce, and Mohawk College is leading the way by preparing the next generation for careers in the building trades. Their work is helping build a Canada Strong economy while creating good-paying opportunities for workers across our region.”
- John-Paul Danko, MP for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas
"Our government is focused on helping more young people discover the skilled trades and giving them clear pathways to rewarding, good-paying careers. Partnerships like this between Mohawk College and CLAC will expand access to hands-on apprenticeship training and give the next generation of workers the skills and experience they need to succeed. By working together with colleges, labour and industry, we’re building the skilled workforce Ontario needs to keep growing and building for the future.”
- Sheref Sabawy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
“Our government is making historic investments in skills training to ensure Ontario has the workforce needed to build homes, hospitals, schools, roads, and other critical infrastructure. The partnership between Mohawk College and CLAC will help more apprentices access the training they need right here in Hamilton, and strengthen our city’s position as a hub for the skilled trades. Partnerships like these will help fill in-demand jobs, support local employers, and create lasting opportunities for workers and families across our region.”
- Monica Ciriello, MPP for Hamilton Mountain
“We at the Town of Grimsby are excited for this new partnership between Mohawk College and the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC). Workforce development has remained a key priority for the Town, and this new Memorandum of Understanding will help us achieve greater workforce alignment in the skilled trades. The College’s current apprenticeship pathways –like that with VTR Solutions here in Grimsby–are already bringing new talent and generating real successes for local industry and business. As we continue to work with our educational partners, we ensure success for local industry in training and retaining highly skilled professionals for the jobs in our community.”
- Mayor Jeff Jordan, Town of Grimsby