Ontario's horse racing industry may have the workforce it needs by this fall following the announcement of a new training program.
The Ontario government announced a $2.1 million investment on Wednesday to help the Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA) develop and deliver a training program.
The training curriculum was developed in part with Equine Guelph and other employers. The course includes eight weeks of online academic instruction, followed by paid work placements of six to 12 weeks, read a media release.
Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development MPP Monte McNaughton made the funding announcement while at the Ancaster Fairgrounds on Wednesday. He was joined by fellow MPPs, including Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey.
"Participants will learn about horse behavior, handling, and nutrition," said McNaughton. "This program is helping farms, race tracks, breeders, and training centres find the qualified workers they need to care for their horses. It's [also] preparing 250 people for rewarding careers where they can earn, on average, more than $20 per hour."
The new program will provide workers with free training, up to $3,000, and paid work placements. Through the program, employers can also receive up to $1,000 per hire.
The training program, which is already underway, will run until October 31.
Hannah Knowles was the first person to participate in the program after a career in specific effects didn't pan out.
"It's a great opportunity to work with these incredible animals that I never thought I'd even be able to get close to, and I owe a lot of my current success to Jim [Whelan] and his team who have been so welcoming to me."
The equine sector contributes $2.3 billion to Ontario's economy each year, however, several jobs have gone unfilled. According to an Ontario media release, over 1,000 jobs within the industry went unfilled in September 2021.
“This project is an incredible opportunity for unemployed and underemployed job seekers in small-town Ontario who are eager for a rewarding career in the equine industry,” said OHHA President Jim Whelan.
People interested in the program can contact Whelan at 519-770-5184.
https://twitter.com/MonteMcNaughton/status/1491448966986493952
