NEWS

The provincial government is giving a $55 million boost for apprenticeship training programs in an attempt to help more people enter the skilled trades.

Ontario is investing this money in three programs that support apprenticeship, which will provide the "next generation" of skilled tradespeople with access to the training, equipment and facilities they need, explains a release.

The Apprenticeship Enhancement Fund will receive an additional $23 million over two years, the release reads, which will help colleges and other institutions train more people and deliver apprenticeship programs by investing in equipment, space and technologies.

The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program will receive $13 million more over two years to help people who are considering careers in the trades develop job skills and readiness to find work as apprentices. This will be accomplished through in-class training sessions and work placements.

Colleges and other training organizations funded by Ontario will also receive $19 million more over three years in order to support equipment upgrades and more lab time during in-school apprenticeship sessions.

According to the province, almost one in five new jobs in Ontario over this decade is expected to be in trades-related occupations.

"This expanded support will strengthen the province's apprenticeship system and help ensure that the right resources are in place to train a new wave of talented young people and fill local labour market needs," added Tony Iannuzzi, executive secretary treasurer for The Carpenters' District Council of Ontario.

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