Toronto, Ontario – New skilled trades apprentices could be receiving a little help from the Ontario government in paying for living expenses during in-class training, thanks to an investment announced Wednesday.
“Demand for workers in the trades will only increase as the province continues down the path of renewal, growth and economic recovery. That’s why our government is replacing lost wages for apprentices while they are in training so they can focus on completing their education and not having to worry about paying the bills,” said Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton. “This investment will help them earn a higher quality education to ensure they acquire the skills they need to find good jobs and careers in the trades.”
The $75 million investment includes:
- The Grant for Apprentice Learning, a $5.8 million commitment to support those ineligible for Employment Insurance (EI)
- The Apprentice Development Benefit, a $24 million commitment to increase the maximum benefit rates for EI-eligible apprentices
- The In-Class Enhancement Fund, a $211.9 million commitment to support training providers so they can deliver higher quality training
- The Apprenticeship Capital Grant, a $24 million commitment to training providers to upgrade their facilities with state-of-the-art and modern equipment
- $5.1 million for training delivery agents, and an additional $500,000 for pre-apprenticeship training service providers, to assist them with implementing COVID-19 health and safety measures during the pandemic (e.g. purchase personal protective equipment, cleaning products and digital supports).
- $4.7 million as part of a multi-year $19.4 million investment in the development of a client-facing digital system to support the skilled trades and apprenticeship system in Ontario
- $2.5 million this year and $7.5 million next year to launch the new non-repayable Tools Grant
A five-member Skilled Trades Panel, chaired by Michael Sherrard, will also be appointed to provide advice and recommendations to Minister McNaughton.
“I am honoured to accept this appointment,” said Sherrard. “This is an important opportunity to modernize, streamline and strengthen the skilled trades system in our Province. With my colleagues on the panel, I look forward to listening to interested stakeholders and contributing to a solution that serves apprentices, journey-people and anyone who may consider a career in the skilled trades.”
