Francophone students eyeing the trades as a post-secondary option have a new offering.
In September, students will be entering the first class of College Boreal’s Motive Power Technician – Truck and Coach program.
The only French-language program of its kind in Ontario, the two-year program was launched today at the Timmins campus.
The first year of the program is a common year where students will be enrolled in both the heavy equipment mechanic and truck and coach technician.
“Once they get a feel, they get to know what the actual industry is, what the field is, in their second year, they can specialize in what they want. And I think that’s a critical component,” said Daniel Giroux, College Boreal president.
“This gives students a real opportunity to really have a taste for what they want to do and specialize in second year.”
By graduation, he said students will have achieved the three levels of their apprenticeship.
Giroux noted that College Boreal is already in the mining, forestry and agriculture industry
“Three key industries that we’re in, there’s a huge demand for what? Transportation. So it’s a natural fit,” he said.
There is a need for the workers, as well.
A Far Northeast Training Board (FNETB) labour market forecast shows that there are about 800 truck and coach technicians in the Cochrane and Temiskaming region. Of that, nearly 25 per cent will be eligible for retirement by 2031.
“That stat does not factor in any economic growth or any new industry that would come and add to that demand as well,” said Julie Joncas, Far Northeast Training Board executive director.
She added that it’s important to see programs like this offered locally to help with a succession plan for workers leaving the labour market.
FNETB data shows the median salary for automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers is $24.95 an hour, with a high range at $36.
“There is currently a shortage of skilled workers in the motive power industry, especially in Northern Ontario. Thanks to this program, participants have the opportunity to gain the necessary skills to pursue their professional goals and contribute to the economic development of their community,” said Jean-Pierre Nadon, College Boreal Timmins director, in a statement.
Today’s announcement is one of six new programs recently added to the college’s lineup at its campuses, however changes have also been made to 12 programs the school offers.
Giroux explained that the school analyzes its program demand and enrolment every year.
In response, he said some programs are being refocused.
“It’s not necessarily suspended programs, it’s changing the delivery method,” he said.
Programs being cut in Timmins are Electrical Techniques and Electrical Engineering Technician, while the culinary arts and culinary management programs will become apprenticeship only.
