Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront campus has been chosen as a DEWALT® Grow the Trades Grant recipient for its commitment to providing a skills labour force by training skilled trades students. Above from left: Jordan Kell, PRO Contractor Specialist, StanleyBlack&Decker; Jamie Bramburger, Interim Dean; Adam Johns, Program Coordinator; Bobbie Gormley, Business, Technology and Outdoor Training Department Chair. (Photo submitted)
With an estimated 500,000 open construction jobs unfilled in North America, DEWALT’s Grow the Trades Grants aim to help close the skilled labour gap by supporting nonprofit organizations that are skilling, reskilling and upskilling tradespeople. Each year, the program awards funding and tool donations as part of a larger $30 million commitment over five years to close the skilled trades gap.
The Pembroke Campus was selected as one of 166 North American organizations providing greater accessibility and resources for trades training. The grant will benefit students in the Carpentry and Renovations Techniques program and the college’s Carpenter apprenticeship program.
“We are extremely proud to be recognized as a DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant recipient. This funding will further strengthen our ability to provide high-quality education and training to our skilled trades students, helping to meet the critical labour needs of our local construction industry,” said Jamie Bramburger, Interim Dean at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus.
“This support from DEWALT means our Skilled Trades programs will be able to upgrade our tool inventory, giving students hands-on experience with the same tools they’ll be using on the job site,” said Adam Johns, Coordinator of the Carpentry and Renovation Techniques and General Carpentry Apprenticeship programs.
The Pembroke Campus currently offers 20 full-time programs, serving approximately 1,000 students. The campus also delivers apprenticeship and corporate training programming as well as several employment preparation and training programs for both the Ontario and Canadian governments.
Bucholtz,J.,A/M Community and Student Affairs,Algonquin College Pembroke (2024,Oct.28)Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus Is Named a DEWALT® Grow the Trades Grant Recipient [media release]
