The Don Crich Skilled Trades Accelerator

Helping navigate apprenticeships

With programs related to skilled trades across all sectors, Fanshawe is one of Ontario’s largest providers of skilled trades and apprenticeship education. However, for many young people or career changers, the process in place to access information on what educational path is most suited to them is daunting.

There is a critical demand in today’s labour market for people who are trained in skilled trades. The supply of workers is shrinking, and the number of jobs is expected to increase by 10 to 20 per cent over the next eight years. Fanshawe has more than 40 programs focused on skilled trades and apprenticeship, with more than 5,000 students studying in apprenticeship programs each year.

Services at the Don Crich Accelerator

The Don Crich Skilled Trades Accelerator is an entrance point for all members of the community to learn more about trades and share employment opportunities. The space will act as a catalyst to transform and exponentially grow enrolment in skilled trades education in our region. By providing a central entry point for prospective students, current students and employers to find all the information they need to pursue opportunities in skilled trades, we are meeting a critical need for industries in desperate need of trained graduates.

Academic Support

Connect with one of our academic consultants that specializes in skilled trades and apprenticeships. Learn more about becoming a student or find support as a current Fanshawe student.

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Employer Support

As an employer, Fanshawe can provide support with hiring an apprentice. From learning about financial support or helping you hire an apprentice, we are here to support your business.

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Apprenticeship and Trades Programs

Fanshawe is one of the largest skilled training providers in Canada, prioritizing hands-on learning experiences delivered by industry-experienced faculty in fully-equipped labs and facilities.

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Employer Information

The Don Crich Skilled Trades Accelerator is also geared towards employers interested in skilled trades network development, training/identifying future talent, and offering expertise.

Partner with Fanshawe

ConnectHER is a nation-wide initiative aimed at developing training, mentorship, and support solutions to empower women in the skilled trades. Join the community today and help shape a more diverse and inclusive workforce for women in trades.

Learn more about ConnectHer

Don Crich

Named in memory of Don Crich, founder of Auburn Developments, TerraCorp Management, Auburn Homes and Stonerise Construction, who passed away in 2015. Mr. Crich was a passionate leader in the construction industry and a mentor to many people who wanted to work in the trades. He was eager to provide advice and he encouraged others to learn a trade and to start their own businesses. Fanshawe aims to carry forward his legacy of mentoring individuals interested in a career in the skilled trades through our work via the Don Crich Skilled Trades Accelerator.

In the General Carpenter Apprentice program, I learned both hands-on, practical skills and theoretical aspects of the trade. It was an easy transition from classroom to shop as we applied the theories learned in the class to the projects completed in the shop. Taught by trade experienced instructors, I completed my program and was prepared to work, becoming a licensed Red Seal Carpenter employed by a prominent construction company.

- Scott Culliton,

Red Seal Carpenter, General Carpenter Apprentice

Fab Lab Markerspace

An extension of the Don Crich Skilled Trades Accelerator and Innovation Village, Fanshawe has opened the doors to our new Fabrication (Fab) Lab. The Fab Lab enables future and current students to explore projects, ideas, and problems in a unique makerspace designed to foster innovative solutions to complex problems sponsored by industry. Through the Fab Lab, Fanshawe College provides reliable, non-academic, opportunity for skilled trades exhibition, exposure, and socialization, which in many organizations culminates in a STEM exposure.

Are you interested in bringing your students to our space?

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Connect with Us

Interested in sponsoring a student project, touring labs, learning more about industry opportunities, sharing ideas? We are excited to hear from you!

Please reach out to us so we can help you with your skilled trades interests and needs.