Mohawk to ring in new year with new transportation training centre

Mohawk College is set to roll up the bay doors on a new state-of-the-art centre that will train hundreds of apprentices annually for rewarding careers in the transportation industry.

The $4 million Gerald Marshall Centre for Transportation is the new and expanded home for Mohawk’s Truck and Coach Apprentice, Truck Trailer Service Apprentice and Pre-Apprentice Truck and Coach Programs.

Located at the Mohawk STARRT Institute for Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Research, Resources and Training in Stoney Creek, more than 400 apprentices will train at the new centre every year. Students will begin training in the new Centre in January.

Designed by Diamond and Schmitt Architects, the two-storey, 15,350 square foot Gerald Marshall Centre for Transportation will feature an open concept shop with state-of-the-art equipment where apprentices will train on up to three trucks and trailers at one time. The Centre will also include classrooms overlooking the shop floor.

The family of the late Gerald Marshall and Marshall Truck & Trailer donated and raised more than $1.7 million for the new Centre. The family donation is among the largest in Mohawk’s 42-year history. Other supporters who are investing in the Centre and in skilled trades include Terry Tomlinson, owner of Tomlinson Systems Inc. ($75,000), Suncor Energy Foundation ($75,000),  Brown Financial Security Inc. ($50,000), LeClair Truck Repair Ltd. ($50,000) and Rob and Mark Silenzi ($45,000).

Mohawk will host an official opening ceremony on Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at the STARRT Institute to recognize supporters of the new Gerald Marshall Centre for Transportation and the College’s partners in the transportation industry.

“Mohawk College is the prime job creating engine in our region,” says President Rob MacIsaac. “Thanks to the support of the Marshall family, Marshall Truck & Trailer Repair and our generous College partners, the new Gerald Marshall Centre for Transportation will allow us to train even more apprentices and keep pace with demand in the transportation industry for highly skilled and future-ready graduates.”

Mohawk College is the largest trainer of apprentices in Ontario, preparing 4,000 apprentices annually for gold collar careers in the skilled trades. The new Gerald Marshall Centre for Transportation completes a $27 million, three-year renewal project at the Mohawk STARRT Institute.