The Ontario government is investing $24 million to improve and modernize equipment and training facilities that support hands-on learning for students and apprentices. These investments ensure apprentices have access to high-quality training as they pursue rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
Details were shared by Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development and Deepak Anand, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister, at Centennial College's School of Transportation.
"By 2025, one in five jobs in Ontario are expected to be in the skilled trades," said Minister McNaughton. "Our government is working for workers to ensure the mechanics, welders, and heavy equipment operators of tomorrow have the quality tools and equipment they need to learn the tools of their trade. This investment will give students and apprentices the learning experiences they deserve in the classroom, so they are set up for success on the job site."
The Apprenticeship Capital Grant program funded 64 training providers and 19 apprenticeship training organizations across the province in 2021-22. Centennial College has invested over $1.6 million to upgrade equipment, including the purchase of three 3D measuring systems and six vehicles equipped with modern computer systems to improve training for future Automotive Service Technicians Apprentices and Auto Body Collision and Damage Repairers.
"As a recipient of the Apprenticeship Capital Grant, Centennial College can attest to the significant impact this funding provided our institution, particularly by enabling us to modernize equipment and offer an unparalleled learning experience to our apprentices as they prepare for rewarding careers in the vibrant skilled trades sector," said Craig Stephenson, President and CEO of Centennial College.
Other funding recipients in 2021-22 included the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre in Oakville, which received $105,000 to build a separate washroom facility for women and create a more inclusive training facility.
Interested organizations can apply for funding until December 21, 2021.
Today's investment is part of the government's $1.5 billion investment in its Skilled Trades Strategy between 2020 and 2024. This builds on the government's ongoing efforts to attract, support, and protect workers, making Ontario the top place in the world to work, live and raise a family.
Quick Facts
- There are 144 skilled trades in Ontario.
- There are over 315,000 unfilled jobs in Ontario, many of which are in the skilled trades.
- Data suggests that the need to replace retiring workers is greater for skilled trades workers than for other occupations. In 2016, nearly one in three journeypersons were aged 55 years or older.
- The Apprenticeship Capital Grant is supported by labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
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