Aurora adds new trades, apprenticeship programs

Aurora College is adding new programs to meet the North’s need for skilled tradespeople. Three are Fundamentals programs in Pipe Trades, Mechanics, and Welding. These programs will prepare students for their Level 1 apprenticeship exams with hands-on and academic coursework. Aurora is adding four apprenticeship options: Automotive Service Technician Levels 1 and 2, Plumbing Level […]

Aurora College has delayed 2026–27 applications for its early learning and childcare program until early 2026. Speaking to Cabin Radio, Aurora President Angela James said that the program will need to be revised, as funding has dropped significantly. The Government of the Northwest Territories Department of Education, Culture and Employment told Cabin Radio that the […]

A labour arbitrator has ruled in favour of the Union of Northern Workers in his recent review of a grievance filed against Aurora College. The union alleged that the college violated an article in its collective agreement, which requires the employer to meaningfully consult on the possibility of a workplace reduction.Arbitrator Thomas Jolliffe reportedly found […]

The Government of the Northwest Territories has announced its plans to fill the gap left by the closure of Aurora College’s 19 community learning centres. The territory will partner with a northern employment training group that will provide a four-week pre-employment program and a two-week work placement component in select communities. It is also engaged […]

Aurora College and Cape Breton University have each received federal funding through the Climate Action and Awareness Fund (CAAF) to raise awareness about climate change among youth. Aurora has received $1.46M to deliver hands-on and location-based programming relating to climate change in the territory. Aurora says that the project will partner with community organizations and […]

Several leaders in Fort Smith are asking Aurora College to stop the process of centralizing its operations in Yellowknife. CKLB Radio reports that Thebacha Leadership Council has accused the Government of the Northwest Territories and Aurora’s board of governors of taking steps to weaken smaller campuses before the institution transitions into a polytechnic university. Fort […]

In two parts of Canada, communities are finding new uses for centres that were previously used by local postsecondary institutions. In the Northwest Territories, Indigenous leaders and the territorial government have begun planning for the use of the infrastructure left behind after Aurora College closed its community learning centres. Cabin Radio reports that there is […]

Aurora College’s Indigenous Knowledge Holders Council has released its first framework document: the Flowing Waters Framework. The framework outlines guiding principles, priorities, and goals for the council from 2025 to 2028, and features an infographic that illustrates how the council will achieve its goals during this period. IKHC explained that it was challenging to capture […]

Aurora College’s developmental studies program will be using online learning classes taught by the remaining instructors across its three campuses to save costs, reports Cabin Radio. Aurora President Angela James said that the move will “streamline delivery and make better use of our subject matter specialist instructors,” while also freeing up funding for other areas, […]

Aurora College has launched an Internal Grants and Awards Program to support applied research capacity in the Northwest Territories. The program includes four funding streams: Start-up grants for new researchers, strategic grants for collaborative research projects, research assistant grants for engaging students and community members in research, and student research awards for outstanding student participation. […]