Oakville’s Sheridan College will partner with the Canadian College of Technology and Trades (CCTT) in an effort to address the shortfall of skilled workers in Ontario.
The two educational institutions announced Tuesday, May 9 that they will be working together to deliver two skilled trades programs, which will start this fall.
The two diploma programs: mechanical technician-computer numerical control & precision machining; and welding and fabrication technician, will be offered at CCTT’s existing facility in Fort Erie.
Several hundred students from Southeast and East Asian countries, including Vietnam, Philippines, South Korea and China, are currently scheduled to take these courses.
“Sheridan and CCTT are ideal partners. We have many complementary strengths. We have strong shared values and beliefs in the power of experiential, career-focused education to change people’s lives for the better,” said Dr. Janet Morrison, president and vice-chancellor, Sheridan College.
“Today marks the beginning of a new partnership that will provide opportunities for students to gain skills training and an education that’s highly relevant for the times, helping to ensure their long-term employability and bolster Ontario’s future competitiveness and prosperity.”
Sheridan staff said the two-year diploma programs were identified as imperative for Ontario’s labour market and bring in-demand training in the skilled trades to areas outside the GTA where there is significant need.
After earning their Sheridan credentials, international graduates of these programs at CCTT will be eligible for the postgraduate work permit program in Canada and subsequently, a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship in Canada.
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“We are committed to delivering industry-specific training to support local labour market needs and provide growth skills to neighbouring regions,” said Paul Liu, president of CCTT.
“We are partnering with Sheridan College for the betterment of the community economy.”
As per the agreement all services and course content at CCTT will be created and delivered by its employees.
Sheridan staff said Sheridan will set and maintain control over academic quality standards to ensure its rigorous requirements are met.
They also said learners in these programs will have mandatory health insurance, a full suite of student supports and access to ample on-site housing.
“I want to congratulate Sheridan College and Canadian College of Technology and Trades on this new innovative partnership that will attract and train talent for skilled trades jobs in Ontario,” said Jill Dunlop, Ontario minister of Colleges and Universities.
“Our government knows supporting in-demand sectors starts with addressing labour shortages. That is why we will continue to advocate and promote skilled trades professions through partnerships like this one that will address these labour shortages and prepare workers to strengthen Ontario’s economy.”
