Revitalizing Skilled Trades in Cornwall

Submitted by: Jessica Kostuck, Associate Director, Development and Daniel Liao, Dean, Trades and Technology 

We are proud to celebrate the vision, innovation, and collaboration that have reignited skilled trades training and apprenticeship opportunities at our Cornwall campus—bringing renewed energy and opportunity to the region. 

After the departure of major employers in the early 2000s, the Cornwall campus Machine Shop was closed and programming paused due to declining demand. In 2023, as part of St. Lawrence College’s (SLC) response to the critical shortage of skilled tradespersons, a vision took shape to revitalize skilled trades education and training in Cornwall, creating opportunities to empower and grow the next generation of the skilled trades workforce. 

SLC approved capital investments for new equipment and infrastructure renewal, and, with the support of philanthropy and industry and community partnerships, transformative work began. In response to growing industry demand, the community-focused SLC Skills Start program was developed to serve underrepresented and marginalized audiences and remove financial barriers to beginning a skilled trades career. SLC Skills Start combines in-class instruction with paid work placements to prepare individuals for high-demand Millwright careers. 

A full renovation of the Cornwall Machine Shop followed, including the installation of industry-standard equipment and enhanced safety features. In April, SLC celebrated the grand reopening of the Machine Shop and the announcement of a generous $100,000 gift from RBC Foundation to launch the inaugural offering of SLC Skills Start at no direct cost to participants. 

SLC was also granted Training Delivery Agent (TDA) status from the Ministry of Labour, enabling us to deliver Level 1 Industrial Mechanic Millwright Apprenticeship training in Cornwall. Our first cohort launched in the fall of 2025 in partnership with local employers including Ivaco (L’Orignal), Lactalis (Ingleside), Advanced Grain Handling Systems (Brinston), and G & J Yelle (Crysler). 

Shortly afterwards, SLC secured TDA status for Industrial Electrician, with the first cohort set to begin in February 2026.  
This fall, we celebrated the return of another trades program to Cornwall campus: Motive Power Technician program saw its first cohort of new students since the program was paused in 2019. With Cornwall being a transportation hub, graduates of this program provide much-needed skilled talent to the service stations, dealerships, and independent garages of the region. 

Looking ahead, SLC continues to grow industry and philanthropic support for skilled trades education and pathways, as well as and explore new skilled trades academic programming to meet the evolving needs of the Cornwall region. This multi-year transformation is a powerful example of what vision, collaboration, and community investment can achieve. Congratulations to everyone involved in expanding skilled trades training at our Cornwall campus!