Introduction to Millwrighting
Chalk River, Ontario – On The 24th of October 2022 an Introduction to Millwrighting (ITM) pilot program was launched at the Minwamon building located at CNL in Chalk River. The cohort of individuals who were chosen are all interested in becoming a member of the Millwright Union. These individuals were selected from various Indigenous communities in the area and were interviewed by a team to confirm their availability and commitment. The creation and implementation of the program is an excellent example of what can be achieved through collaboration efforts between multiple organizations.
Program Overview
The ITM program is a 6-week program that consists of 4 weeks of Millwright skills training in conjunction with 2 weeks of training in the area of math, spatial reasoning and communication. The goal of the program is for the participants to be indentured into the Millwright Union as 1st year apprentices, after successfully completing the required Union entry aptitude test prior to being eligible to be dispatched a site for work.
The following organizations were involved in the creation, funding and launching of the ITM program.
- Kagita Mikam
- ION (indigenous Opportunities Network)
- AABO (Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario)
- Training and Learning Centre of Renfrew County
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
- EPSCA (Electrical Power Systems Construction Association)
- Millwright Kingston Local 1410
- Millwright Regional Council
The Millwright Union is committed and eager to look at future opportunities of this nature to support the hiring of more indigenous people into their membership. Upon completion of this 6-week program, a review will be completed and the next ITM program will be scheduled
