Georgian’s Robbert Hartog Midland Campus has received funding from the Ontario government to offer the Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) Marine and Small Engine Technician pre-apprenticeship program.

WIST provides funding for pre-apprenticeship training designed exclusively for women in a gender-sensitive environment.

The six-month program, which is fully funded by the Ontario Women’s Directorate, gets underway Jan. 18 and runs through July 16, 2010.

The program focuses on basic technical training and the Level 1 in-school portion of the Marine and Small Engine Technician apprenticeship program. It also covers customer service, software and business-related aspects of marine and small engines.

WIST is endorsed by the Ontario Marine Operators Association and the Canada East Equipment Dealers Association. Both organizations have offered to assist with co-op placements within their respective member communities.

WIST graduates are qualified to work in skilled trades and to enter apprenticeships. Participants will have access to entry-level jobs in the marine and small engine repair fields, which is big business in central Ontario. There are also opportunities available in service writing, parts counter, sales and leasing, accounting and other support areas of marine and small engine dealerships.

Financial support is available to cover tuition, tools, safety equipment, school supplies and loans for books.

INFORMATION SESSIONS

Information sessions on the WIST program will be held at the Barrie and Midland campuses on the following dates:

• Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2:30 to 4 p.m., room 202, Robbert Hartog Midland Campus
• Thursday, Nov. 26, 2:30 to 4 p.m., room H109, Barrie Campus

Contact Phil LeBoeuf at (705) 526-3666, ext. 215, pleboeuf@georgianc.on.ca for more information.