Aurora College has developed a new series of Trades and Apprenticeships programs to be rolled out to the Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith.
The new programs will be launched within the next few years. The 2025-26 academic year will see the introduction of three programs, those being Fundamentals of Mechanics, Fundamentals of Pipe Trades, and Level 1 of the Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship. The 2026-27 academic year will introduce Level 2 of the Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship, Level 3 of the Plumbing Apprenticeship, and Level 3 of the Heavy Equipment Technician (Off Road) Apprenticeship.
The College will also be upgrading a variety of other existing courses to help make sure teachers and students have access to the latest equipment to bring them up to industry-standard training.
Dr. Nora Houlahan, the Vice President of Education and Training with Aurora College, said that the College is “committed to offering high quality apprenticeship level training so NWT residents can pursue careers in the skilled trades without having to leave the territory. This investment by Employment and Social Development Canada will help Aurora College expand its offerings and ensure our trainees have access to the most up to date technology to meet and exceed industry standards. Skilled trades people are essential for the vibrancy of NWT communities and Aurora College is dedicated to supporting NWT residents in their training journey.”
These new programs are being funded by a grant given by the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy and their Union Training and Innovation Program. The grant was worth $625,018, and was designed to be used for easier access to skilled trades training, addressing the housing crisis, and increasing net-zero construction to help fuel economic growth.
