Sheridan and Six Nations Polytechnic MOU opens doors to high-demand careers through Construction Techniques program

Sheridan College and Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will bring Sheridan’s Construction Techniques program to learners at SNP, strengthening access to trades training and supporting community-driven workforce development.

Through this partnership, the program will introduce students to four essential trades — carpentry, millwrighting, plumbing and welding — giving them a competitive edge as they enter an industry experiencing rapid growth. With Canada’s construction sector expanding and thousands of new positions forecast over the next decade, the program equips learners with skills that lead directly to in-demand careers.

A core focus of the partnership is removing barriers to education for learners from the Indigenous community and supporting students from Six Nations Polytechnic Secondary School. Eligible students will study tuition-free, ensuring equitable access to skilled trades training and long-term career opportunities.

"As Sheridan advances emerging provincial and national goals for workforce development, accessibility to careers in the skilled trades will support students and communities in sustaining Ontario's growth and infrastructural goals. Our partnership with SNP on this project is a first step towards a lasting partnership, and a reflection of Sheridan's commitment to Truth and Reconciliation," said Mary Vaughan, Provost and Vice President, Academic at Sheridan.

The program is now accepting applications for the first intake which begins winter 2026 for Sheridan and the spring 2026 term for SNP. To support working adults who wish to reskill in the trades or prepare to seek their apprenticeship, Sheridan is offering evening and weekend classes at its Davis Campus in Brampton.

“Accessibility to careers in the skilled trades will support students and communities in sustaining Ontario's growth and infrastructural goals. Our partnership with SNP on this project is a first step towards a lasting partnership, and a reflection of Sheridan's commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.”

– Mary Vaughan, Sheridan Provost and Vice President, Academic

As part of the MOU, the program will also be delivered at SNP’s Brantford campus. Local delivery means learners can access high-quality training close to home, preparing them for entry-level roles or future apprenticeship pathways.

“Partnering with Indigenous institutes is a key step towards reconciliation and provides greater access to learning opportunities for Indigenous people. These partnerships reflect a deep commitment to reconciliation through action, strengthening Indigenous-led education, and embedding more inclusive approaches across the college system,” said Amy Reader, Sheridan’s AVP, Indigenous Education and Engagement.

“Partnering with Sheridan College to deliver the Construction Techniques program at SNP’s Brantford campus aligns closely with our mission to provide accessible and responsive education that supports community prosperity,” said Dr. Amy Gleiser, Dean, Community, Health, Trades & Apprenticeship at Six Nations Polytechnic. “This initiative expands training options for our students and prepares graduates who will contribute to the region’s construction needs. We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on learners, our organizations, and local communities.”

“SNP is thrilled to partner with Sheridan College on this Construction Techniques program. This program will provide a great training opportunity for local students and also respond to local employer needs in the area of skilled trades,” said Dr. Richard Anderson, President/CEO at Six Nations Polytechnic. “Through our partnership, Sheridan and SNP are responding to the need to strengthen our local skilled workforce.”

Ontario continues to face strong demand for skilled construction professionals. This collaboration meets that need while ensuring Indigenous communities benefit from sustainable, community-driven workforce opportunities.

A provincial grant of up to $1.8 million will fund the Construction Techniques program until the 2027/28 academic year. This initiative aligns with growing government investment in skilled trades, including Ontario’s recent $75-million commitment to train up to 7,800 additional students at colleges, universities and Indigenous institutions across the province for in-demand jobs in construction and urban planning and the federal Build Canada Act.

Enrolment for the Construction Techniques program is now open. For more information, please visit the program page.

About Sheridan College

Sheridan is one of Canada’s leading postsecondary institutions, known for its strong skilled trades programs, applied research, and deep industry partnerships. With campuses in Brampton, Mississauga, and Oakville, Sheridan offers a broad range of credentials — from apprenticeships and certificates to diplomas and degrees — designed to prepare learners for real-world problem solving and job-ready success. Sheridan’s Magna School of the Skilled Trades features modern labs, hands-on training environments, and high-impact learning experiences that meet evolving labour market needs.

About Six Nations Polytechnic

Six Nations Polytechnic is a unique post-secondary organization, recognized by community, government and institutions of higher learning, as a centre of excellence for Indigenous knowledge. SNP has over 30 years of postsecondary success in partnership with twenty percent of Ontario’s publicly funded universities and colleges. SNP’s mandate of Indigenous sustainability calls for the perpetual use of Indigenous knowledge (understood and expressed through language, values and actions) that provides capacity to live in harmony with the natural world, while restoring and maintaining a healthy existence in a nation with diverse citizenship and needs.