MRCO launches pilot program at Darlington Energy Complex

Ontario Construction News staff writer

The Millwright Regional Council of Ontario (MRCO) has launched its second full scale Introduction to Millwrighting (ITM) pilot program at OPG’s Darlington Energy Complex in Clarington.

The cohort of eight individuals was selected from various Indigenous communities in the area and were interviewed by a team to confirm their availability and commitment.

“The ITM program and its curriculum outlines the fundamentals of the Millwright trade. It provides the participants an incredible opportunity to secure a meaningful and rewarding career as a fully licensed Millwright within the Millwright Regional Council of Ontario.” said Drew Chittenden, business manager of Millwright Local 2309, Toronto.

The creation and implementation of the program by MRCO’s Sisters In The Brotherhood is an excellent example of what can be achieved through collaboration efforts between multiple organizations.

Training and upgrading will prepare successful candidates to become millwright apprentices and begin careers as millwrights in the construction and maintenance industry.

The ITM is a six-week program that consists of four weeks of Millwright skills training in conjunction with two weeks of training in math, spatial reasoning and communication. The goal of the program is for the participants to be indentured into the MRCO as first year apprentices, guide their successful completion of the required Union entry aptitude test and prepare them for safe dispatch to a site for work.

“The MRCO is committed to working with our partners, Indigenous and community leaders to build pathways for success through education, experience, and knowledge,” said Mark Beardsworth, Director of Operations with the Millwright Regional Council of Ontario.

The following organizations were involved in the creation, funding and launching of the ITM program.

  • Millwright Regional Council of Ontario
  • Millwright Local 2309
  • Ontario Power Generation
  • OCNI (Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries)
  • Kagita Mikam
  • AABO (Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario
  • Durham College
  • First Nations Power Authority

Upon completion of this 6-week program, a review will be completed and the next ITM program will be scheduled.

The Millwright Regional Council of Ontario includes eight affiliated local unions of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) across Ontario.

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