Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning and the Ontario Masonry Training Centre (OMTC) are co-operating to offer a new skills program called Masonry Fundamentals, starting April 27 at the OMTC, located at 360 Superior Blvd. in Mississauga.
Masonry Fundamentals is a 16-week, daytime program, and enrolment is limited to 20 individuals.
The brick and stone mason trade is experiencing a shortage of skilled professionals, which will only increase in the future. It is expected that provincial and federal government commitments to infrastructure project funding will fuel a continuing demand for masons.
Those who enrol in and complete the program will receive an Ontario College Certificate, and will have developed skills in areas such as masonry theory and practice, masonry safety, carpentry tools and equipment, mathematics and communications, and workplace and employment strategies.
The OMTC will host a number of free information sessions for anyone interested in applying for admission to Masonry Fundamentals. These sessions are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. on the following dates: Monday, March 23; Tuesday, March 31; and Tuesday, April 7. The OMTC location on Superior Rd. is between Kennedy Rd. and Hurontario St., north of Highway 401, south of the 407 and just west of Highway 410.
Before seeking admission, candidates must meet certain basic criteria involving age and previous education. More information about Masonry Fundamentals is available by going to www.conestogac.on.ca/tradesand accessing the section on programs/courses, or by sending an email to trades@conestogac.on.ca.
Conestoga, based in Kitchener, is the Ontario college systems third-largest provider of apprenticeship education. A leader in the development of new programming and curriculum in the trades and technology, Conestoga works closely with industry to address skills shortages. Conestoga, in partnership with the OMTC and the Ontario Masonry Contractors Association, operates a state-of-the-art masonry training centre in Waterloo.
Contact: Abby Brandes, 519-748-5220, ext. 2400, abrandes@conestogac.on.ca