STEEL WORKER FOR THE FUTURE

We are very fortunate in our Region to have the best of world-class manufacturers with leading-edge technology. We have innovative companies that are redefining their industries and creating new markets with new products. As well as entrepreneurial start-ups and established companies who are growing a creative class and have tremendous potential.

At Mohawk College Enterprise we believe in the spirit of collaboration and together with our educational partners, from preschool to postsecondary, we are replenishing and building our stock of human capital. And our post secondary institutions are driving research and innovation and serving as catalysts in our knowledge-based economy.

Collectively with industry leaders, we are working towards building a community that is stronger, healthier and more resilient. In tough economic times we must reinvest and reinvent - as did Areclor Mittal Dofasco - who for many years have recognized the need for a highly-skilled workforce and resulted in becoming a long-term institutional investor of Mohawk College.

In fact, in the late 1990's they started working with the Canadian Steel Trade & Employment Congress, on a technology apprenticeship program. And by 2000, a collaborative initiative resulted in the development of "pilot" consortium project  The Steel Worker For The Future program led by Mohawk College. This program has since received widespread recognition as a feeder program into the US and was most recently recognized by Fortune Magazine and the Gates Foundation.  The success of the program has been the direct result of several years of a lot of hard work, determination and vision of many people, including our friends and partners from Ivy Tech Community College who was instrumental in the launch of the Program.

The Steelworker for the Future craft training program empowers you in two ways: It pays you to earn a degree, and it makes you employable upon graduation.

To be considered, you must have a high school diploma (or equivalent). You'll also need to pass a college entrance exam or a Performance Assessment Network (PAN) evaluation.

The 2½-year program includes 4 semesters of classroom training at a participating school, plus 24 weeks of on-site training at ArcelorMittal. During the on-site portion of the program, you'll apply what you learn in class and earn credit toward your degree. You'll also encounter mentoring opportunities - not to mention earning enough in wages to pay for your tuition.

As a graduate of the Steelworker for the Future program, you'll receive an Associate of Applied Science degree as either a mechanical or an electrical technician.

For more information on The Steel Worker For The Future Program contact Marla Robinson.