Trent University's Careerspace has launched the new Trent Career Apprenticeship Program (TCAP) in partnership with the Canadian Career Apprenticeship Initiative (CCAI) and in collaboration with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and the City of Kawartha Lakes, to help new graduates kickstart their careers and provide essential funding to local businesses. 

Open to 10 graduating students from humanities and social sciences programs at Trent, the 12-month long apprenticeships with 10 local businesses will run from May 2024 to May 2025. Taking into account students’ diverse range of skills, the apprenticeship positions will be flexible, encompassing various roles within an organization. To support the apprenticeship and aid with hiring costs, participating employers will receive a $10,000 grant. 

“We’re excited to be launching the Trent Career Apprenticeship Program to provide graduating students with a foundation to gain meaningful postgraduate work opportunities and help support local businesses by leveraging the unique skills and knowledge that our students have acquired throughout their time at Trent,” says Kevin Whitmore, director of Careerspace. “Our team works closely with local businesses and organizations to find ways to better support them. TCAP will continue to reinforce our commitment to positioning Trent University as a driver of local partnerships and economic growth, all while creating more opportunities for students to develop their careers.” 

TCAP, which embraces the CCAI model designed to assist mid-sized communities like Peterborough and the Kawarthas, in attracting and retaining talent, will complement the wide range of career boosting experiences available to Trent students, including paid co-ops, as well as placements, internships, and community research projects. 

"The Canadian Career Apprenticeship Initiative is pleased to announce its collaboration with Trent University, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, and the City of Kawartha Lakes in launching a program that will help graduating Arts students secure their first full-time job while keeping their talent in the Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes communities," said Alan Rottenberg, a CCAI founder. 

Businesses interested in participating in TCAP are encouraged to contact Careerspace’s student experience coordinator, Emily Bojda at ebojda@trentu.ca by March 27.