The Ontario government is investing $826,441 to help train new apprentices in the Windsor region.
Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie announced the funding through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream on Monday morning, along with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 773.
"When workers are properly trained before stepping onto a job site, everyone benefits," said Dowie. "This investment ensures that our newest electrical workers can gain the knowledge, safety certificates, and hands-on experience they need to succeed."
The program will help new workers starting in the construction field have the tools they need to be effective and safe on day one on the job.
"IBEW Local 773 has trained 48 new young workers in the areas of construction awareness, basics of electricity, aerial platform, working at heights, skid steer operation, first aid/CPR, forklift operation, and financial planning," said Karl Lovett, IBEW Local 773's Business Manager and Financial Secretary. "These essential skills for a new start electrician position put them in the best-in-class category, trained before entering the workforce. Without this fund and the support of staff involved, the path for young people entering the trades would be much more difficult."
The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is open to employers, industry associations, labour unions, hospitals, and more. Since its launch in 2021, it's supported more than 1,000 training projects across Ontario.
