THUNDER BAY — A new million-dollar investment in trades training at Confederation College is appreciated, the college’s president said Thursday.
Michelle Salo was speaking to reporters after she and Thunder Bay–Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland announced just over $1 million in provincial funding to expand apprenticeship training at the college.
“It’s important because there’s such a high demand for skilled trades in Northwestern Ontario,” she said.
“And this funding actually brings that accessibility for people who are … underrepresented in terms of skilled trades.
“So, women and Indigenous students will be able to train and learn some of the preliminary millwright requirements in order to become a full apprentice.”
The funding is for “a new pre-apprenticeship training program for industrial millwrights, with exposure to welding,” Salo explained.
“This program will train 60 participants across four regional cohorts: Thunder Bay, Greenstone, Red Lake and the Dryden-Kenora area.
“It will bring training closer to the communities where people live and work.”
Holland said the funding is part of the government’s $29-million annual commitment through an apprenticeship capital grant program that supports upgrades to training facilities and equipment for hands-on learning.
“Our government is making sure that people in Thunder Bay have access to training and tools they need to succeed,” he said.
“By investing in Confederation College, we’re strengthening our skilled trades workforce and helping to build a more competitive and resilient economy.”
The announcement at the college came two days after a similar announcement Holland made at a labour union facility, where he announced $409,000 in funding for training in construction and culinary trades.
Salo said there’s a growing need for skilled tradespeople “to support projects in mining, construction, energy and infrastructure” and “this investment helps us to respond to that need.”
By Mike Stimpson, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Original Published on Apr 09, 2026 at 16:30
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