The Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) campus in Morrisburg has been awarded $1.7 million from the provincial government to buy new equipment and expand training opportunities for heavy equipment operators.
$1.7 million means new machinery and expanded training opportunities for heavy equipment operators in eastern Ontario
MORRISBURG, ONT.
The Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) campus in Morrisburg has been awarded $1.7 million from the provincial government to buy new equipment and expand training opportunities for heavy equipment operators.
Stormont-Dundas-Glengarry MPP Jim Brownell made the announcement during a ceremony at the campus Jan. 11. The money comes from the Skills Training Infrastructure Program (STIP).
“The Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario here in Morrisburg has a reputation for excellence in training and continues to produce highly-skilled workers,” said Brownell. “Investing in people and skills is the cornerstone of the McGuinty government’s economic strategy. By investing in apprentices and skilled workers, we’re building careers, businesses and our economy.”
Brownell told OETIO staff and apprentices at the ceremony that the OETIO has a good reputation and the Liberal government is well aware of the work being done by staff at the facility.
“You have a great reputation for training excellence. We all know the good work that you do.”
STIP is a venture that was set up to help training centres keep pace with changing technological requirements and increase their ability to train more apprentices, trainees and workers.
The money will be used to purchase a bulldozer and ripper, excavators, mini-excavators, skid steers, concrete pump simulators and mechanical hoe simulators for the campus in Morrisburg.
Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher said he’s pleased the Liberals are investing in the OETIO.
“This money will enable the OETIO to keep pace with changing technology and train more apprentices and workers,” he said. “Our training campuses are key partners in Ontario’s apprenticeship and skills training system and this money will help us prepare the workforce of the future.
“The government has recognized the important contributions that unionized labour and employers make in ensuring that Ontario has a safe and highly-skilled construction workforce. Investments like this will help ensure that the province keeps its competitive edge.”
OETIO executive director Gerry Hughes was delighted with the funding and the government’s continuing support for OETIO programs.
“We are most encouraged that this government recognizes the importance of credible training for the trades in Ontario and for initiatives such as this to ensure a steady supply of skilled operators that can continue to contribute to the economic growth of Ontario,” he said.
DCN News Services
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