Thunder Bay, ON — Students attending Confederation College will now have access to in-school technical training for plumbing. The college is expanding its pre-apprenticeship training thanks to a $1 million investment from the provincial government.
With this news, Confederation College has been approved as a training delivery agent for the plumber trade (306A). The college’s Level 1 plumbing apprenticeship training will be delivered from Oct. 19 to Dec. 11 at its Thunder Bay campus.
“This investment strengthens our ability to deliver hands-on training that reflects the needs of today’s workforce,” said Michelle Salo, president of Confederation College. “At Confederation College, we work closely with industry and community partners to create clear pathways into the skilled trades. Expanding access is key, especially for women, Indigenous learners and those in rural and remote communities, so more people can see themselves in these careers and succeed in them.”
Apprenticeship intake for the program will be offered during the 2026/27 academic year. The first 20 technical training notices are expected to be announced around June 21, according to the college’s press release.
Investment funding comes from Ontario’s Apprenticeship Capital Grant program, which focuses on strengthening training capacity across Ontario. In addition to plumbing, this investment will allow Confederation College to provide training programs for various apprenticeship programs.
With the growing demand for qualified tradespeople in Ontario, the college adds that it will continue to “expand apprenticeship programming to meet labour market demand and support economic growth throughout Northwestern Ontario.”