Media Release

www.assiniboine.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Assiniboine to deliver new tuition-free, Heavy Duty

Technician program

BRANDON, Man. (September 29, 2021) – Assiniboine Community College is announcing a new

partnership with Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology and Indigenous Youth Development

Canada to deliver a tuition-free Heavy Duty Technician program. The program will commence in

December 2021 at the college’s North Hill campus in Brandon.

"As a former heavy duty instructor, I am excited about this partnership, which allows entry into this field

to those who may not otherwise have the chance,” said Assiniboine’s Chairperson of Mechanical Trades,

Lloyd Carey. “This is a gateway to jobs with excellent potential. These students can gain credit for their

Level 1 common core apprenticeship accreditation, which would allow them to branch out even further

into Heavy Duty Equipment, Agricultural Equipment or Truck and Transport specializations."

The program, funded by Algonquin College, prepares students for in-demand careers within a trade that

employers report has a shortage of skilled workers. As part of the program, participants will complete

hands-on, in-school training for 28 weeks plus a 280-hour paid work placement.

Selection into the eight-month program will focus on engaging Indigenous youth 18 to 30 years of age,

who are not in employment, education or training (NEET Youth). There is space for twelve students.

Tuition, textbooks, personal protective equipment, supplies and tools are all covered at no cost to those

enrolled in the program.

“Costs for training to acquire the skills and aptitudes required for entry into the job market are an

ongoing barrier to employment,” said Assiniboine’s Director, Indigenous Education, Kris Desjarlais. “We

are thrilled that students won’t have to worry about funding and can enjoy a hands-on learning

environment.”

Interested candidates must attend a free program information session as part of their admissions process

into the program. For more program details and to register for an info session,

visit assiniboine.net/heavydutyTF.

About Assiniboine Community College

Assiniboine Community College has been providing exceptional learning experiences for 60 years and

offers certificate, diploma and post-graduate programs across a variety of disciplines including culinary

arts and hospitality, business, agriculture and environment, health and human services, and trades and

technology. The college also delivers apprenticeship programming in a range of skilled trades disciplines.

With more than 3,600 students, and campuses in Brandon, Dauphin and Winnipeg, Assiniboine provides

comprehensive educational opportunities throughout Manitoba. The college also partners with many

communities and organizations across the province to deliver customized education and training.

Assiniboine’s annual provincial economic impact is $612 million.

Assiniboine Community College campuses are located on the traditional territories of Treaty No. 1 and

Treaty No. 2, the shared traditional lands of Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Anishinabek/Ojibwe

peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. We acknowledge their welcome to the students who

seek knowledge here.

For more information, please contact:

Kevin Poirier

Dean, Trades

Assiniboine Community College

poirierk3888@assiniboine.net

204.724.0698