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."
For more information
376 Wallbridge-Loyalist Road
Belleville Ontario
Canada K8N 5B9
loyalistcollege.com
