The Mohawk College Openhouse is an annual spring event open to the public to showcase the College’s four campuses, its programs and labs. It is a great opportunity for parents with teenagers in tow to discuss their options, visit the classrooms to see the hands-on equipment and talk with both instructors and current students.

The STARRT Campus in Stoney Creek primarily offers trades training programs. This year, Patriot Forge, the Ministry of Training Colleges & Universities and the Canadian Steel Trade and Employment Congress [CSTEC] and the Hamilton Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Consortium [HSTAC] were the only external exhibitors.

CSTEC's display included a trade quiz for students unsure of their career path, and the Apprenticeship Services page of Frequently Asked Questions by Employees & Students from the CSTEC web site. As well information about the College’s Coop Apprenticeship Model and details about HSTAC apprenticeship registration were available. Ron Tuff was also able to refer students to the HSTAC website for more information.

Most parents were unaware of the coop opportunity as their student was interested in enrolling in a Technician program and would not be introduced to the coop stream until part way through the first semester. We discussed the steps involved in apprenticeship registration, how HSTAC could assist with this process, the purpose of the Training Standards and the portability of the training. The highlighted advantages included the apprenticeship program and financial incentives available from the government. Participants were encouraged to discuss the curriculum for their respective programs with college representatives on hand and not to wait too long before deciding as high school graduates are beginning to apply now for a limited number of opportunities.

Attendance at the event this year was steady throughout the day in spite of the cold drizzling rain. Promotion on the radio and in local press may have influenced participation.

Overall this was an important event for CSTEC/HSTAC to support along with our local community partners to promote apprenticeship. The number of families that left with a clear vision for their son/daughter’s future was gratifying for all involved.