Conestoga was among 12 Canadian organizations that received a Grow the Trades grant from DeWalt to help close the skilled trades gap.
The power tool manufacturer, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, recently awarded almost $4 million to 166 grant recipients across North America, including 12 Canadian organizations.
The Grow the Trades grant is part of DeWalt’s $30-million commitment by 2027 to help close the skilled trades gap by providing accessibility and resources for trades training. Grant recipients were chosen by a competitive application process based on their initiatives to provide certifications and credentials in the skilled trades. Funding will support individuals pursuing a career in the trades.
“DeWalt is immensely proud to support Conestoga as they work to skill and reskill the tradespeople of tomorrow moving us closer to our shared goal of closing the trade skills gap,” said Frank Mannarino, president and general manager. “Funding educational programs and non-profits like Conestoga connects more people to training, resources and opportunities that will lead to successful careers in the trades.”
Conestoga will use the donation to purchase equipment, provide training, and to increase awareness and support, especially for women, in the skilled trades, explained Suzanne Moyer, dean of the School of Trades & Apprenticeship.
“Conestoga is extremely grateful to DeWalt not only for this Grow the Trades grant, but also for the support that they provide the college and their ongoing commitment to the growth of skilled trades.”
Conestoga’s School of Trades & Apprenticeship is the centre of apprenticeship and skills training in Canada's Technology Triangle. A comprehensive array of programs is offered in the construction, motive power, industrial and service sectors in response to the needs of industry and growth in the local economy.
The Conestoga Skilled Trades Campus opened in fall 2022 to deliver apprenticeship and post-secondary programs in the industrial/manufacturing and construction trades to address the province’s critical need for skilled workers. The second phase of the Cambridge campus is expected to open its doors in September 2026, resulting in one of the largest state-of-the-art trades training facilities in Canada.