Demand for trades education strong at MHC

The need for skilled trades professionals has led to an increase in demand for training at Medicine Hat College.

Flinn says the past year has seen an explosive growth in their trades program.

“Right now, at the end of September, we’re almost at what the maximum was for the entire year last year and almost all our programs are filled,” something Flinn says he’s not seen in his three years at MHC.

The Medicine Hat College offers instruction in a variety of trades, including electrical, carpentry, plumbing, welding, heavy equipment and automotive service technicians.

Flinn says the heavy equipment technician and welding programs are seeing strong growth, which he says in the past has been a barometer for the strength of the local economy.

Automotive dealers are also looking for trained service technicians.

Flinn says the college does get calls from industries looking for programs, and he welcomes that, especially for training not available in the region.

Training to become an apprentice usually requires a person to get a job first, before applying to one of the eight-week programs.

However, the college also has pre-employment training that provides 12 weeks of hands-on experience and theory that prepares a person to challenge for their first-year certificate in a trade.

Flinn says they have several intakes for their apprentice programs, but sometimes applicants have to wait as long as a year for their program to come around again.

He expects the college will be applying for additional funding for more spaces when the opportunity is available.

by Brian Konrad

Demand for trades education strong at MHC

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