Toronto, Ontario — The Ontario government is hoping to clear the path for entry into the skilled trades industry as Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton announced a $47 million investment into apprenticeship programs, according to a press release from Friday.
The new Achievement Incentive Program and the expanded Apprenticeship Capital Grant aim to get apprentices out the door and on the job by helping them complete their training and achieve certification.
According to the press release, these programs are designed to support those who train apprentices, such as businesses, colleges and other training organizations.
“This is a critical investment as our apprentices will be the ones who will help provide essential services and build our future hospitals, highways and homes,” said McNaughton.
“Through these programs our government is supporting this important training pipeline, creating the next generation of our skilled workers and providing more young people with opportunities to get good jobs in their communities. Our economic recovery and future growth depends on having a robust skilled workforce.”
The Achievement Incentive Program has the potential to offer an autobody shop a $1,000 payment once their apprentice reaches a new in-class training level or receives the highest level of trade certification.
“Additionally, the government is investing $24 million—a $10 million increase from last year—through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant to help colleges, unions and apprentice training providers upgrade their equipment and facilities to ensure apprentices are learning and using state-of-the-art infrastructure during their in-class training. Examples include new virtual reality training equipment and simulators, new tools or upgraded accessibility supports, all of which help apprentices acquire the skills they need to be job ready,” according to the press release.
