Ontario construction training program targets disadvantaged youth

TORONTO – The Ontario government has announced it is spending $2 million in a project that will offer 150 underprivileged youth paid training and work experience for construction jobs in Ottawa, Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area.

The 10-week pre-apprenticeship program, led by Brook Restoration Ltd., is offered to youth in disadvantaged communities, ages 18 to 29, including those experiencing homelessness and living in community housing, stated a recent release.

The project includes two weeks of in-house classroom learning at the company’s head office in Toronto’s Etobicoke community as well as eight weeks of on-the-job training with the firm and several other businesses in Toronto, Hamilton and Ottawa. Participants will be paid up to $3,000 during the training and those who successfully complete the program will be offered jobs by Brook.

Participants will be prepared to begin their career in the construction workforce by learning about general building techniques, how to work with power tools, the use of different products in construction and an introduction to the overall building envelope restoration and construction.

The first round of training will begin on May 24 and last until July 16, with two additional cohorts expected to train Sept. 13 to Nov. 5, 2021 and Jan. 17 to March 11, 2022. Interested youth can get more information and apply by contacting Brook Restoration Ltd. at careers@brookrestoration.ca.

The funding comes as part of the government’s $115 million Skills Development Fund through the 2021 budget.

 “We know that youth, especially those in marginalized communities, have really felt the brunt of this pandemic, with the youth unemployment rate above 20 per cent in April,” said Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton, in a statement. “This project is a great example of local businesses stepping up with a solution tailored to help those who need it most, so we can give the next generation the skills they need to support their families and make our communities stronger.”