Toronto, Ontario — Support Ontario Youth (SOY) has announced the introduction of the Skilled Trades Workforce Development Program, an initiative aiming to equip individuals with the skills and pathways needed for a successful journey into the skilled trades.
The initiative is backed by support from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, and according to a recent press release, the program “underscores SOY’s commitment to preparing the next generation of tradespeople for seamless integration into the industry.”
The program specifically offers a Tools in the Trades Boot Camp, or “hands-on tool experiences across multiple trades, pathways to apprenticeship, free training programs, a complimentary starter tool kit and support for various sectors. Here, participants can gain practical skills through hands-on tool experiences and industry-specific employability skills.”
This portion of the program is open to individuals aged 18 and up and recent high school graduates interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades.
SOY’s Development Program is also offering participants with “Trades Readiness Training,” which has been designed for both individuals embarking on their apprenticeship journey and those already pursuing a career in the trades.
Based on an individual’s current needs, this portion of the program may offer services that include essential employability and networking skills, trades readiness preparation, mentorship, health and safety training, product knowledge and insights into the realities of entering the apprenticeship pathway.
This portion of the program is also open to individuals aged 18 and up and recent high school graduates interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades and current skilled sector workers looking to upskill and advance.
Melanie Winter, Executive Director of Support Ontario Youth commented in a recent media release that “our skilled trades workforce development program and particularly, our Tools in the Trades Booth Camp, play a critical role in preparing the next generation of tradespeople. We are committed to providing high-quality training and support to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in Ontario.”
Additionally, David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development further commented that “to build a stronger Ontario, we need to help youth find meaningful and well-paying jobs. I am proud to invest in programs like Support Ontario Youth’s Skilled Trades Workforce Development Program, which will give more young people the training they need to earn bigger paycheques for themselves and their families.”
For more information, click here or contact the Boot Camp team at employer@supportontarioyouth.ca.
