St. Clair College will be delivering a customized training program to train new employees at AarKel Tool and Die Inc. in Wallaceburg.
The announcement was made during a press conference held in Wallaceburg on Monday, November 11.
St. Clair College officials said in a media release instructors will teach the new hires in precision metal cutting CNC machining at the company’s Elm Drive location to supply local skilled labour for its Wallaceburg facilities.
While St. Clair College delivers much needed, specific skills training through its St. Clair College Skilled Trades Regional Training Centre, in an effort to be responsive to rural employers in the manufacturing industry and to reduce barriers for Wallaceburg youth to gain access to skilled trades training, St. Clair College collaborated with AarKel Tool and Die to deliver training on site at AarKel’s headquarters in Wallaceburg, college officials stated.
This initiative will provide AarKel with the ability to retain workers and continue to grow its local operations.
“These additional employees who will be trained and hired are an important milestone in our strategic plan for our Wallaceburg facilities and will enhance support to our operations in Wallaceburg,” Larry Delaey, AarKel Tool and Die’s President and CEO, said in a media release.
“Given the skilled trades shortage in the area, not only will this address those concerns, but this will also be a testament to the commitment to our industry and our area. We are building for the future.”
College officials said this training meets a direct need of local industry, provides accessible training to local trainees within their own geographical area and, upon successful completion of training, obtain a good local employment opportunity in the skilled trades.
“St. Clair College is committed to delivering high quality, accessible education and training to meet the needs of learners and the labour market of Southwestern Ontario,” stated Patti France, President of St. Clair College.
“We continue to build upon our reputation as a strong community resource by listening and responding to local industry needs.”
The precision metal cutting CNC machining customized training will provide trainees with practical, integrated learning experiences and a body of knowledge relevant for the manufacturing skilled trades industry.
“We know that Ontario is facing a looming problem: a shortage of skilled workers,” stated Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton.
“Seeing these investments in training the workers of tomorrow is fantastic news. We must continue to break the stigma that exists and show people that jobs in the skilled trades are meaningful, challenging and good paying.”
Pleased to be at AarKel Tool and Die in Wallaceburg to launch an innovative training program between the company and St. Clair College. 6 students will be trained in precision metal cutting. A job is available for each participant. #SkilledTrade pic.twitter.com/7Qs4KO4SxQ
— Monte McNaughton (@MonteMcNaughton) November 11, 2019
