On May 12, as part of a Spring Economic Update tour, The Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State – Labour visited Niagara College’s Welland Campus to tour technology and trades labs.
Secretary of State for Labour Zerucelli and his team were greeted by NC President Sean Kennedy and Vice-President, Research, Innovation, and Strategic Enterprises, Dr. Marc Nantel.
As Secretary of State for Labour, Zerucelli’s mandate is focused on strengthening Canada’s workforce, supporting apprenticeships and skills training, and advancing practical, collaborative labour policies that protect workers while helping Canadian businesses grow and compete.
NC’s Mabel Watt, Director, Government Relations, Duane Bender, Dean of Media, Trades and Technology, and Associate Deans Maura Lecce (Technology) and Nadja Bressan (Trades), were also in attendance.
On their first stop, Program Coordinator, Alexander McGlashan toured Secretary of State for Labour Zerucelli and his team through NC’s Photonics and Defence Systems Engineering Technology labs to learn about the new program to train drone developers beginning this fall – a direct response to government priorities and labour market needs.
McGlashan highlighted the growing demand for made-in-Canada drone technology, a secure domestic supply chain, and skilled workers to support industry growth. Drawing on insights from fire, EMS, police, and military organizations, the discussion focused on NC’s role as a bridge to connect end users with drone manufacturers and advancing drone research. The Niagara Region’s airport, hydrogen production capabilities, and canal were also identified as strategic assets for aerial, road, and marine drone testing, positioning the College as a trailblazer in this emerging industry.
In the electrical lab, NC’s Joe McEachern, Electrical Technologist, showed Secretary of State for Labour Zerucelli how students are trained for electrical trades, from residential and commercial wiring to fire alarm systems, data cabling, job estimating, blueprint reading, and more.
Students in their first week at NC welcomed Secretary of State for Labour Zerucelli to the construction lab, where he asked what inspired them to join the program. One student shared that they had left dissatisfying career to pursue a passion for woodworking. Another explained that after completing a university degree in Human Resources and spending several years feeling unsatisfied in the field, she decided to attend NC on the recommendation of a friend.
“It’s an exciting time to do what you’re doing,” said Secretary of State for Labour Zerucelli, emphasizing the growing demand for skilled tradespeople and thanking the students for pursuing careers in the field. “With everything going on in the world, we are focused on building in our country and providing opportunities for you.”
Secretary of State for Labour Zerucelli emphasized the government’s efforts to encourage businesses to take on apprentices and support them in earning their Red Seal certification.
Marco Giorgi, Construction Renovations Technologist, highlighted how students benefit from an introductory mechanical class that allows them to build foundational knowledge and explore different skills before choosing a specialization.
Secretary of State for Labour Zerucelli noted that many new construction projects now rely on prefabricated components built in factories. Giorgi added that NC students gain hands-on experience through projects designed to be disassembled for transport and assembled on site.
The visit emphasized the alignment of NC’s programs with federal priorities in skills development, innovation, and workforce readiness, underscoring its role in supporting Canada’s labour market needs.
