Loyalist College launches pilot project to support military-connected student needs

Belleville, ON, Nov. 8, 2022 – Loyalist College has renewed its commitment to supporting military-connected individuals in Bay of Quinte by launching a new learning-to-employment pathway in partnership with Helmets to Hardhats, Release Point Education and Fanshawe College. Supported by a $513,325 Skills Development Fund grant from the Government of Ontario, the Military-Connected Students in Trades Pilot Project (MCSTPP) removes barriers for Veterans and service members to upskill, retrain and pursue second-career opportunities in the skilled trades.

“The Bay of Quinte is home to Canada’s highest urban concentration of military personnel. As the region’s only post-secondary institution, we recognize Loyalist College is uniquely positioned to be a leader and a changemaker in creating accessible education pathways for military-connected individuals,” said Mark Kirkpatrick, Acting President of Loyalist College. “Coupled with the high demand for skilled trades professionals throughout the province, MCSTPP fits perfectly with the College’s strategic efforts to offer innovative programming that is responsive to community needs. We’re proud to work with our partners at Release Point Education, Helmets to Hardhats and Fanshawe College to offer more inclusive education options for military-connected students.”

Helmets to Hardhats is a non-profit organization that helps transfer the unique skills of Veterans and military-connected individuals into successful second careers in the construction industry. The MCSTPP builds on this mandate by offering subsidies to employers hiring military-connected individuals. The project also connects Veterans and service members with post-secondary institutions that provide specialized training and skill-transfer options for a more seamless path to employment.

As a Military-Connected Campus (MCC), Loyalist College is committed to providing specialized academic and social support tailored to the needs of military-connected learners. Along with the MCC Student Club on the College’s campus, the MCSTPP is Loyalist’s first leap toward a full suite of military-connected programming. This week, four members of Loyalist College leadership will attend the MCSTPP Summit hosted at Fanshawe College to identify and develop best practices for the program.

Learn more about the Military-Connected Campus initiative at Loyalist College.

About Loyalist College 

Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $396.3 million annually to the regional economy – based on an October 2021 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com.

– 30 –

Contact: 
Braden Root-McCaig
Director of Marketing and Communications
647-523-4300
brootmccaig@loyalistcollege.com