Mohawk College Foundation appeals to the community to support skilled trades students
Donations during National Skilled Trades & Technology Week will be matched
During National Skilled Trades & Technology Week, November 5-11, the Mohawk College Foundation is promoting a fundraising campaign to support skilled trades education in our community.
Ontario is struggling to urgently expand its skilled trades workforce to address the housing crisis, tackle the labour shortage in trades, and train workers for jobs in the emerging green economy. Many students want to pursue a skilled trades education but they face financial barriers as they complete their training, including drastic increases in housing, grocery, and travel costs. Contributions to the Mohawk College Foundation Skilled Trades Gift Catalogue can support students with their education and, this week, each donation to the campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Steeves family.
“There is a critical need for more workers in all areas of the skilled trades. Mohawk College is a recognized leader in skilled trades education, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to work in the field,” said Ron J. McKerlie, President and CEO of Mohawk College, and President of the Mohawk College Foundation. “We are committed to their success, in and out of the classroom, as they work toward their graduation and promising skilled trades careers in the workforce.
“We are grateful to the Steeves family for their inspiring support and to everyone in the community who contributes to the success of Mohawk College students.”
Skilled trades students require tools of the trade when they enter their programs and those costs are not covered by their tuition; items such as uniforms, safety clothing and safety glasses, tools, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), helmets, and CSA-approved safety footwear. Scholarships and bursaries from the Mohawk College Foundation ensure students can access the tools they need to begin their studies and transition to the workforce quickly with the right equipment.
Mohawk College is one of the largest skilled trades trainers in Canada. The Marshall School of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship and the Centre for Aviation Technology educate 4,000 students and nearly 3,000 apprenticeship students each year as they work toward diploma and certificate programs in construction, manufacturing, plumbing, electrical, millwright, welding, automotive, instrumentation, and aviation.
Donations to the Mohawk College Foundation Skilled Trades Gift Catalogue can be directed to one of four key areas of need:
- Student Success – covering equipment and other costs not covered by tuition
- Discovery of the Trades – supporting programs to promote skilled trades to elementary and secondary school students, mid-career learners, and under-represented groups
- Access – supporting tuition-free skilled trades programs through City School by Mohawk, to provide women, at-risk youth, and other underrepresented people to pursue careers in the trades
- Green Skills – supporting programs for students and workers in the field as they transition to new roles in the green economy
In addition to the gift-matching challenge by the Steeves family, there are two Power Hour challenges taking place during the week, supported by micheal+clark construction and Melrose Paving Co. Ltd., and an Alumni Challenge, supported by Marshall Connects. Find more details available on these matching programs here.
Visit the Mohawk College Foundation Skilled Trades Gift Catalogue for additional information about each area of focus, as well as features and stories about students in skilled trades programs.