Ontario Government Funds Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Process Operator – Food Manufacturing Training at Loyalist College
The School of Skills Training at Loyalist College is pleased to offer a Pre-Apprenticeship program for Process Operator – Food Manufacturing. Successful applicants will receive funding toward this program and for upgrading in the Loyalist College access programs, enabling them to obtain their Grade 12 equivalency and prepare them to find work as apprentices in the food manufacturing industry.
The pre-apprenticeship program was initiated by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. It is designed to help potential students enter into the apprenticeship system by developing their job skills and trade readiness so that they will be qualified to find work as apprentices. The work placement supervisor will work with the students to find placement opportunities.
“This is an excellent opportunity for those seeking to upgrade their educational qualifications and enter the food and beverage manufacturing and processing industry,” said Tom Malloy, Dean, Schools of Skills Training, Access and Continuing Education. “The government funding will enable participants to complete their high school equivalency, the Level I apprenticeship in-school training, relevant safety training and a minimum eight-week work placement. Students who successfully complete the program will be able to approach employers to obtain apprenticeship positions within the industry with confidence. Claude Boily, Manager of Human Resources at Kellogg Canada Inc. Belleville told us that 100 percent of their production workers are registered in the Food Processor Operator Apprenticeship. This is a clear indication of the value placed on skilled workers within this industry and the commitment employers have to ensuring that proper work standards are being met.”
“This program would not have been possible without the support of local employers such as Kellogg, who identified the need for this training and are committed to providing placement opportunities for the students,” added Maureen Piercy, President of Loyalist College. “We are confident this initiative will provide excellent opportunities and benefits for students in search of a rewarding career path in the growing, high-skill field of food manufacturing, and for employers looking for employees with strong skills and technical expertise.”
To register or learn more about the pre-apprenticeship program, call (613) 969-1913, ext. 2884.
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332; e-mail: mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca or Tom Malloy, Dean, Schools of Skills Training, Access and Continuing Education, at ext. 2880