Ontario takes steps to promote trades careers

TORONTO—Ontario has announced it is supporting over 1,200 pre-apprentices in 67 training programs across the province this year

For 2016-17, more than $14 million is being invested in programs that provide free training, while covering costs for textbooks, safety equipment and tools, indicates a provincial release. Programs last up to one year, and usually combine level one apprenticeship training with an eight- to 12-week work placement.

The announcement was made by government officials at Conestoga College in Waterloo, Ont., which is receiving support from the province for two pre-apprenticeship programs for welders and heavy equipment technicians at its Waterloo and Kitchener campuses.

According to the release, each year, Ontario colleges and other training organizations offer free local training for people interested in careers in the trades, through the province’s Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program. It is typically offered for high-demand trades such as carpentry, plumbing or cooking. Local programs accept a wide range of trainees, with many projects focused on groups that are under represented in the skilled workforce, such as new Canadians, women and indigenous people.

"When we reach potential tradespeople early with introductory training, they stand a better chance of completing apprenticeship training and enjoying rewarding, well-paid careers in the trades," stated Deb Matthews, minister of advanced education and skills development and minister responsible for digital government, in a statement.

"By investing in pre-apprenticeship programs we’re ensuring that people in Ontario get the skills and training they need for the jobs of today and tomorrow."