HAMILTON, ONT – Mohawk College and the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at addressing labour market needs through expanded skilled trades training capacity and accelerated apprenticeship initiatives.
According to a release, CLAC and Mohawk College will collaborate on the development of classroom and lab space at CLAC’s location in Grimsby.
“The added capacity the Grimsby location provides will help with the backlog of apprentices waiting for in-class training in high demand Red Seal Programs such as electrical, plumbing, welding and carpentry,” the release notes.
The facility is currently in the preliminary design stage, with plans to start the approvals process later this year, and a groundbreaking in early 2027.
Beyond the physical infrastructure, the agreement also commits both organizations to exploring future partnerships in applied research, workforce development and emerging areas such as green construction, sustainable building practices and next-generation skilled trades training.
“This partnership demonstrates how colleges and labour organizations can work together to solve urgent workforce challenges,” said Paul Armstrong, president of Mohawk College, in a statement. “By expanding access to high-quality, hands-on apprenticeship training, we are helping more people move into in-demand careers while supporting the skilled talent pipeline employers need to grow Ontario’s economy.”
Mohawk and CLAC will work together to identify skills gaps in the trades and explore how they can support accelerated learning pathways and integrate emerging technologies into trades education based on worker experience and insight, from the field.
“Ontarians need the breadth, depth and expertise of our community colleges, to serve the vast number of prospective tradespeople who come from all corners of the province,” said Ian DeWaard, CLAC provincial director. “This partnership strengthens our ability to support the next generation of skilled trades professionals by ensuring people have accessible pathways into well-paying, in-demand careers.”
