Two completely free training programs offered by Loyalist College at Base31 will offer hands-on instruction, industry-recognized certifications, and pathways to employment.

Six-week courses for those 15 and up will be offered this summer and fall to support up to 50 job seekers with technical skills, certifications, and optional job placements in fields including residential construction, landscaping and hardscaping in the built environment, and sustainable building practices.

In fall, a two-day “upskill” series will help up to 150 established tradespeople advance with training co-designed by local employers on topics that include working at heights to renewable energy.

Classes will be offered at Base31’s Lecture Hall, with tents set up outside for hands-on training with large machinery. In fall, some practice sessions could move to one of the hangars.

“The programs are diverse and aimed at different kinds of folks from different backgrounds, from those who have no skills at all to those who are already employed but want to add to their resources,” said Base31’s Liz Kohn. “We couldn’t be more excited about these career advancement opportunities for up to 200 people in the County.”

“We feel really lucky that, even with  all the cuts at Loyalist this year, this partnership is still going ahead,” noted Base31’s Acting CEO Assaf Weisz.

Both programs are funded by the provincial and federal governments and are focused on building skills for Ontario’s construction and skilled trades sectors in residential and large-scale construction, landscaping, environmental sustainability, and modern trade technologies.

Application is through Loyalist College.