Industrial Millwright Mechanic / Industrial Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship for Aboriginal Peoples

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities - Employment and Training Division announced the approval of a $330,000 allocation to support the delivery of the Industrial Millwright Mechanic / Industrial Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship for Aboriginal Peoples training program. This program will be offered in partnership with Munsee-Delaware Nation, Anishinabek Educational Institute (Munsee-Delaware Campus) and Fanshawe College beginning June 2011 to March 31, 2012.

Anishinabek Educational Institute (AEI) and Fanshawe College are recruiting 25 Aboriginal participants who are interested in gaining Level One of the Industrial Millwright and Industrial Electrician apprenticeship trades. This training will prepare and encourage Aboriginal people to attain skilled trades experience in economic trends that will support long-term sustainability, while maintaining the post-secondary support systems that respect traditional First Nations values.

Tuition (estimated at $5000) is sponsored by the Ministry. Additional texts and resources, tool kits and safety equipment will be provided by Fanshawe College. Candidates will be responsible for all other expenses.

Murray Maracle, AEI Director comments, "This is a very exciting opportunity for the Anishinabek Nation. This investment will address the need to increase Aboriginal learners in the post-secondary education and training programs specific to apprenticeship certification. We look forward to working with the Pre-Apprenticeship students and helping them meet their academic and career goals."

General admission requirements will be Ontario Grade 12 (as per the trade) or MTCU-approved equivalent, and a strong desire to work in the trade. All participants will be at least 16 years of age and be able to work in Ontario as per Ministry requirements. All applicants must arrange with Fanshawe College / Anishinabek Educational Institute to complete the CAAT and TOWES testing.

The program will be jointly delivered at AEI's Munsee-Delaware Campus and at the London Campus of Fanshawe College. Transportation to and from the two locations will be included at no additional cost to students. Delivery of the program will involve students attending the first part of training at Fanshawe College (June to August) where they will have access to shops and equipment, along with other learning resources. The second part of in-class training will take place at Anishinabek Educational Institute (September to January), and 8-week work placements will take place during the final part of training (February to March).

For further information, visit: www.aeipostsecondary.ca or contact:

Rita Chiblow, Site Coordinator
Anishinabek Educational Institute
Tel: 519-289-0777

- or -

Mike Fediw, Program Coordinator
Fanshawe College
Tel: (519) 452-4430 ext. 4525.