Georgian College is offering new spring sessions of two programs – Gas Technician and Welding Techniques – in an effort to minimize anticipated shortages of skilled workers in these fields and to provide re-training for unemployed workers.

As the population of Simcoe County grows substantially over the next decade, so too will demand for workers in skilled trades. While these programs are open to all applicants, they are also part of the Ontario government’s Second Career Strategy to help laid off workers find new employment. Students who apply for these programs through Second Career Strategy may receive funding for tuition, books, travel expenses and other training-related costs.

The Gas Technician program at the Barrie Campus provides students with the required skills to obtain the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) Gas Technician III and Gas Technician II certifications. By the end of the program, students are prepared to write their TSSA exams to become fully qualified and licensed technicians. Graduates earn an Ontario College Certificate and may find careers not only as gas technicians but also in areas of technical support and sales within the industry.

The Welding Techniques program at the Robbert Hartog Midland Campus provides students with the theoretical and practical training to perform most basic welding techniques. At the completion of the program, students will be eligible to test for welding tickets based on their level of expertise.

Graduates earn an Ontario College Certificate and may find a range of occupations in the welding field, including manufacturing and fabricating, automotive and heavy equipment production, automation, construction or self-employment.

Both programs start May 11. The Gas Technician program runs until April 2010, the Welding Techniques program wraps up in December 2009.

Georgian College has developed a reputation as a leader in skilled trades training in the central Ontario region. More than 90 per cent of Georgian College graduates find employment within six months of graduating, and 94 per cent of employers are satisfied or highly satisfied with these new employees.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• For more information about the Gas Technician program or about Second Career Strategy, please contact Suzanne Morton, Georgian College, at (705) 722-1575.
• For more information about the Welding Techniques program, please call the Robbert Hartog Midland Campus at (705) 526-3666.