Ontario government invests in new program for apprentices
March 8, 2021 | By Maryam Farag
The Ontario government is investing $47 million in 2021-22 to hire more apprentices, improve the quality of training and help them complete their training and certification through the new Achievement Incentive Program and the Apprenticeship Capital Grant.
These programs are designed to support those who train apprentices, such as businesses, colleges and other training organizations.
“This is critical investment as our apprentices will be the ones who will help provide essential services and build our future hospitals, highways and homes,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister, Labour, Training and Skills Development. “Through these programs our government is supporting this important training pipeline, creating the next generation of our skilled workers and providing more young people with opportunity to get good jobs in their communities. Our economic recovery and future growth depends on having a robust skilled workforce.”
Ontario’s $23-million Achievement Incentive Program will provide over 11,000 employers in the construction, industrial, service and other sectors with up to $4,000 in funding per apprentice. For example, a hair salon, restaurant, childcare centre or autobody shop could receive a $1,000 payment once their apprentice reaches a new in-class training level or receives the highest level of trade certification.
The government is also investing $24 million – a $10 million increase from last year – through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant to help colleges, unions and apprentice training providers upgrade their equipment and facilities to ensure apprentices are learning and using state-of-the-art infrastructure during their in-class training.
