Heavy duty learning

Andy Larson is capable of learning more than he thought.

Larson, 26, is on his way to becoming a heavy duty mechanic, thanks to a pilot program being offered at Dumont Technical Institute in partnership with the Ministry of Highways and Transportation.

"I've been learning a lot," said Larson. "I didn't think I was capable of learning this much until I started this course."

The program, according to the province, is aimed at ensuring MÉtis people, like Larson, have training opportunities that will allow them to share in the benefits of the province's growing economy and meet the demand for skilled labour.

"This is an example of how a ministry can be involved in helping to meet the current economic demands for skilled labour and have even more people benefit from our robust economy through partnership opportunities," said Darryl Hickie, Prince Albert Carlton MLA.

The institute has set up a mobile classroom at the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure facility in Prince Albert, where students are given the opportunity to work hands-on with the equipment.

Geordy McCaffrey, executive director of DTI, said partnership with the ministry is a natural fit.

"We approached the ministry because we wanted to offer this course, but didn't have all the necessary resources to offer a full learning experience," explained McCaffrey.

"Thanks to this partnership with the ministry, we can now offer MÉtis students the knowledge they need to compete in today's labour market."

There are currently 11 students enrolled in the program, which began in February and ends in June. Students who finish the program will have completed their first year of training to become apprentice heavy-duty mechanics.

According to the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, these students will have the skills necessary to seek apprenticeships opportunities, while the ministry will have the opportunity to recruit new employees.

tcampbell@paherald.sk.ca