Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government has announced $3.6 million training projects to attract women and youth into construction trades careers.
Led by the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario (PBCTCO), new free programs will provide online training tools and exclusive employment opportunities to jobseekers and give grade 12 students a first-hand look at working in construction.
Women currently make up less than five per cent of Ontario’s construction workforce and a new PBCTO project is expected to help 700 tradeswomen to start and advance careers in the industry. It will also include the development of a speaker’s bureau to partner tradeswomen with speaking opportunities with schools, employment agencies, trade shows and other events across the province to mentor and attract more women into the skilled trades.
“The Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario appreciates the support of the Government of Ontario to invest in and expand three important projects with the organized skilled trades and our employer partners,” said Marc Arsenault, business manager at PBCTCO. “These projects, while all unique, together focus on developing the workforce of the future and expanding opportunities within the skilled trades for equity-seeking groups.
“As we move forward, this investment supports a fact-based approach to workforce development that will create opportunities for more Ontarians to embark on a great career to build the province we live in.”
The Tomorrow’s trades program will give 1,500 people access to online resources and training tools to explore skilled trades, build core skills and find apprenticeship opportunities in their profession of choice, connecting them directly with local employers.
Additionally, PBCTCO’s Tomorrow’s Trades program is returning to provide 60 grade 12 students in London and Ottawa with hands-on learning opportunities, behind-the-scenes access to high-profile construction projects and training so they can prepare for life-changing jobs in the industry. The program, which prioritizes at-risk youth, has previously run in Toronto, Hamilton, Sudbury, and other parts of the province. Transportation and training costs will be provided for students.
Projects are all funded through the government’s Skills Development Fund, an over $700 million initiative, which supports ground-breaking programs that connect jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying careers close to home.
Here’s how construction industry leaders are reacting to the new programs:
“UA Local 787 HVACR is excited to support Premier Ford and Minister McNaughton as they announce investments to facilitate training for thousands of more workers,” said Andrew Tarr, business manager, HVACR 787. Working with PBCTCO, these youth will encounter meaningful training opportunities that get them ready for building our communities and Ontario’s economy.”
– Andrew Tarr, Business Manager, HVACR 787
“This support for apprenticeship training is long overdue and a great way to open the door to meaningful careers and long-term financial security for more young people, new Canadians, women and Indigenous people.”
– Mike Gallagher, Business Manager, IUOE Local 793
“The Ontario Government’s commitment to promoting careers within the trades is once again evident from today’s announcement and their willingness to invest in developing the workforce that will be needed to build and to service our province. The support provided through the Skills Development Fund comes at a perfect time as we continue to grow economic opportunities for those interested in learning a trade.”
– Jonathan White, International Representative – CSO, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
“On behalf of LiUNA, we applaud the continued collaboration and commitment of Minister McNaughton and the Ford Government to empower opportunities for women in skilled trades. We look forward to working together with industry, labour and government partners to not only attract women to the industry through outreach and training programs, but working together to strengthen retention, mentorship and pathways for advancement.”
– Victoria Mancinelli, LiUNA Director Public Relations, Marketing, Strategic Partnerships
“The IBEW Construction Council of Ontario applauds Premier Ford’s and Minister McNaughton’s genuine efforts to support and grow Ontario’s unionized construction labour force. A stronger construction labour force with good enforcement, salaries, pensions, and benefits is good for Ontario.”
– James Barry, Executive Secretary Treasurer, IBEW Construction Council of Ontario