Loyalist College removes barriers to regional skilled trades training with two new electrician apprenticeship programs

Belleville, ON, July 23, 2025 – Responding to high demand from regional employers, Loyalist College is expanding local access to skilled trades training with the launch of two new apprenticeship programs: Electrician – Construction and Maintenance and Industrial Electrician. Welcoming their first cohorts of students in 2026, these programs will make it easier for apprentices to complete their in-class training requirements close to home, supporting local opportunities for career advancement and workforce development.

Apprenticeship programs are an essential learning pathway for the skilled trades, combining on-the-job experience with in-class instruction to develop the technical expertise employers need. Through consultation with industry partners, Loyalist identified limited access to in-class training as a major hurdle for local apprentices, with learners needing to travel outside the region to complete their studies – adding significant cost, long wait times and logistical challenges to their education journey. The new programs will help remove that barrier, allowing apprentices who are training with regional employers to continue their education close to home. 

“Loyalist’s new apprenticeship programs are a direct response to what we’ve heard from employers and apprentices, particularly in the manufacturing and construction sectors,” explains Dr. Amanda Baskwill, Senior Vice President Academic and Chief Learning Officer. “By leveraging Loyalist’s skilled trades expertise to offer the in-class portion of these electrician apprenticeships, we’re helping learners achieve certification without putting their lives on hold, and keeping skilled trades talent in the region.” 

Loyalist is also working closely with industry partners to design the in-class curriculum, ensuring it reflects the realities of today’s workplaces. Learners will train on equipment specifically aligned to processes used by local industry to ensure graduates are job ready. 

“Spark Power was thrilled to support Loyalist College’s application for Training Delivery Agent (TDA) status in electrical apprenticeship training, and we’re even more excited by the success of that application,” said Brian Pennell, Business Development Manager, Spark Power. “Many of our apprentices are proud Loyalist graduates, and this announcement means they can now continue their apprenticeship training closer to home. It’s a big win for our local community and economy – developing the talent we need right here in Belleville.” 

The introduction of the two electrician apprenticeships follows the launch of Loyalist’s Industrial Mechanic Millwright Apprenticeship, with the first cohort of millwright apprentices beginning their training at the college this fall. These three apprenticeship programs build on Loyalist’s existing capacity in skilled trades education, including Red Seal-certified faculty, state-of-the-art labs and advanced equipment. 

“Ontario’s future depends on a strong skilled trades workforce,” adds Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “From building homes to modernizing infrastructure, these are the jobs that will help sustain the province’s growth and development. At Loyalist, we’re proud to support that progress by making learning opportunities more accessible and affordable for people in our region, while also aligning with the needs of industry and employers.” 

About Loyalist College

Loyalist College is built upon the lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. We affirm and thank the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat nations for their continued caretaking of the land. At Loyalist, we empower our students with wraparound support services and hands-on training to succeed on any path they choose. Our academic programs are responsive and innovative, designed to solve pressing social and economic challenges and meet the evolving needs of our regional industry and community partners. Our graduates enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge they need to be better global citizens, and with future-focused skills to lead change in their fields. With a presence in Belleville, Bancroft, Port Hope, Tyendinaga and Toronto, we believe our institutional responsibility extends beyond the classroom to seeing the big picture for the communities we serve. Our expertise in applied research and deep connections to local industry support economic development, to the benefit of businesses, entrepreneurs, changemakers and innovators. Our commitment to decolonization, and the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable world, means we hold ourselves accountable to the diverse perspectives, cultures and experiences that shape our communities. 

– 30 –

Contact:
Hannah Brown
Director of Marketing and Communications
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com