Thunder Bay, ON – LIVING – Confederation College is proud to celebrate the graduation of all eight students in its first Level 1 Carpentry program, offered in partnership with Keewaytinook Okimakanak.
The intensive 12-week program, which ran from Sept. 16 to Dec. 6, 2024, equipped students with practical carpentry skills. It culminated in projects like a miniature playhouse for the college daycare. By combining their newly learned skills with creative projects, the students brought lasting benefits to the college community.
“This program showcases the power of hands-on learning and collaboration,” said Nick Iachetta, Associate Dean of Workforce Development. “We’re incredibly proud of our graduates and the meaningful contributions they’ve already made in our community.”
Among the highlights, two students designed and installed outdoor shelving for the daycare before snowfall, while the entire class crafted a giant Jenga game with 54 blocks and a custom wooden case—gifts that delighted the daycare staff and children.
Graduates are now eligible to pursue carpentry apprenticeships, with this course fulfilling the first of three ‘trade school’ sessions. Some students have already transitioned to work in the field, applying their new skills to real-world projects.
The program began with two weeks of academic preparation focused on practical trade math, providing students with a strong foundation for success.
Encouraged by this success, Confederation College launched a second Level 1 Carpentry program cohort on Jan. 6, 2025. This new group of students, continuing the partnership with Keewaytinook Okimakanak, will complete their training in March. With seven students confirmed and three offers pending, this program further demonstrates the college’s ongoing commitment to accessible, community-focused education in Northwestern Ontario.
For more information about contract training opportunities with Confederation College, visit confederationcollege.ca/department/workforce-development-division/contracts.
