UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

August 16, 2021 (Kemptville, Ontario) – With 15 years of industry experience, Anthony MacKAY – a Red Seal Certified Truck and Coach Technician and UCDSB alumnus – is set to lead the first cohort of the UCDSB’s Level 1 Commercial Vehicle and Equipment Apprenticeship Program.

Twenty students are signed up for the 10-week training program, which will be taught through the TR Leger School of Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education at the Kemptville Campus Education and Community Centre in Kemptville. The program is hosted by the UCDSB but includes students from three neighbouring school boards.

MacKAY, a Prescott resident who attended South Grenville District High School, has carved an impressive career that first started when he was completing a co-op in high school that led to getting his first job in the trade in Brockville.

Since first getting hired on with the Brockville Tractor Trailer Maintenance (2001) LTD., MacKAY completed all three levels of his apprenticeship. He later graduated from Algonquin College with honours in the Truck and Technician Program and then received his Red Seal Certification. He became a shift foreman and then the shop foreman at his workplace until launching his own mobile truck and trailer repair business last year.

Throughout his career, MacKAY says he has enjoyed working with and supporting students along the way.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my work experience has been having the privilege to pass my knowledge of the trade on through teaching co-op students, OYAP students and all levels of apprentices,” he says.

MacKAY adds that having a college program offered at a high school level is a great way to get students into the trades, especially as he’s witnessed a rapid decline in interest in the skilled trades jobs, leaving a gap in the labour market.

“We need more students getting into the skilled trades and this program is the right fit for our local market,” he says. “It will give OYAP students a leg up into the industry, allowing them to have the opportunity to complete their CVEAP Level 1 apprenticeship while still in high school. This is a great opportunity for the students and will be very beneficial to the trade industry.”

MacKAY will be working to finalize the curriculum and schedule over the summer months and is excited to welcome students to the program in September.

“Anthony brings experience, passion and dedication to this trade,” says Sandy McInnes, Principal of TR Leger. “He’s living proof of what it means to utilize these learning pathways, and his caring consideration for the student experience will make this program a success.”