Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government will fund $24 million to improve and modernize equipment and training facilities offering hands-on learning for students and apprentices. These cash injection will ensure apprentices have access to high-quality training as they pursue rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
Interested organizations can apply for funding until Dec. 21.
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.
“The Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre is extremely happy with the continued support from the Ontario government. Through grants like these, we have had the opportunity to construct more inclusive facilities to support gender equality in our industry,” said Scott Wood, provincial training director, Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre.
“In the past, these particular grants have given us the ability to improve health and safety, as well as modernizing the equipment that the apprentices see in our shops and labs. The grants have provided an enriched learning environment, focusing on hands-on learning.”
Details were shared last week 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,” McNaughton said. “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.
“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.
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.
“The ACG has supported Sheridan as a leader in training delivery and expanding our capacity to engage with students and industry partners, including a new Wire Electric Discharge Machine. The equipment supports Tool and Die apprentices in advanced manufacturing practices and to learn transferable CNC programming skills, helping to fill employment gaps in the manufacturing industry,” Lindsay Engel, dean of applied science and technology, Sheridan College.