In a continued bid to tackle a labour shortage in the skilled trades, the provincial government is kicking in nearly $1-million for four London area pre-apprenticeship projects.
Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton, who announced the investment while in London Friday, estimated the training programs would prepare more than 100 locals for jobs in construction, brick and stone masonry, and baker-pâtissier.
"In London and throughout the province, there are thousands of jobs that go unfilled," McNaughton said in a statement. "Those are paycheques waiting to be collected. But the workers aren't there. My mission is to bridge that skills gap in London and throughout the province. Today's announcement is the next step."
The free pre-apprenticeship training being offered last up to one year, combines in class learning with an 8 -12 week work placement, and is open to all Ontario residents.
The Brick and Allied Craft Union of Canada Local 5 is getting $144,000 to train brick and stone masons and construction craft workers. Another $549,580 is going to LiUNA Local 1059 for a combination of classroom training and work placements in the construction craft worker and cement finisher trades. Collège Boréal will receive $131,335 to provide training for child development practitioners and education assistants, while London Training Centre is slated to get $99,888 for training to get people ready for jobs as cooks, bakers and chefs.
"About one in five new jobs in Ontario over the next five years is expected to be in trades-related occupations," said McNaughton. "Exposing people to careers in the skilled trades makes good sense: It helps businesses find talent and opens new doors for people who want to work."
The funding announcement comes two weeks after the province launched a new ad campaign aimed at attracting young people to the skilled trades. The 30-second commercial is being shown in movie theatres, online, and on Tim Hortons TV.
More information about pre-apprenticeship training programs can be found through Employment Ontario.
