Ontario expands investment in skilled trades training
March 16, 2022 | By Maryam Farag
The Ontario government is expanding its investment in pre-apprenticeship training to a record $28 million, providing young people with training for careers in the skilled trades.
Between July and September 2021, there were more than 330,000 unfilled jobs in Ontario, many of which are in the skilled trades. Pre-apprenticeship training programs are free for participants, combine classroom training with on-the-job learning, and play a role in reducing Ontario’s skilled labour shortage.
“It is essential that we create greater awareness of the skilled trades as a valuable career path for our youth. Programs that support early consideration and opportunities to explore the trades will ensure that we have the workforce of the future that we need,” said Melissa Young, CEO and Registrar of Skilled Trades Ontario.
Ontario will also be finalizing the second round of projects under the Skills Development Fund; a $200 million initiative that supports programs that connect job seekers with the skills and training they need to find careers.
