Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government has announced $4.3 million for four training projects to help 356 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members prepare for in-demand jobs and transition to civilian life. Every year, 8,000 Canadian Armed Forces members are released from service.
The free programs announced recently will prepare veterans for well-paying careers in in-demand sectors including skilled trades, healthcare, software development and cyber security.
Projects will be led by Helmets to Hardhats, True Patriot Love Foundation, Coding for Veterans, and the Roland Gossage Foundation.
“Many of our veterans can find the transition to a new career post service challenging; bringing with it changes in community, potential loss of purpose and a need to align skills learned in the military with opportunities in the civilian sector,” said Nick Booth, CEO of True Patriot Love Foundation. “As Canada’s Foundation for the military community, True Patriot Love welcomes this investment in supporting Veterans in post-service employment, and we applaud the Ontario government’s commitment to supporting those who served.”
Funding will be provided through Ontario’s Skills Development Fund (SDF), which supports programs that connect jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying careers close to home. To date more than $860 million has been awarded.
Skills Development Fund Training Stream applications are now open and will close on Nov. 17. Organizations with project ideas on ways to address challenges to hiring, training, or retaining workers can apply through Transfer Payment Ontario.
Piccini says he will consult with military spouses and veterans to understand employment-barriers faced by military spouses moving to Ontario and veterans transitioning to civilian life. Check out Military Spousal and Veteran Employment Challenges in Ontario to find out more.
The Soldiers’ Aid Commission helps Ontario’s Veterans and their families in financial need cover essential costs related to housing, specialized equipment, mental health support, employment, and more.
“As Ontario continues to find solutions to fill labour shortages, Helmets to Hardhats, with support from the Skills Development Fund Training Stream, will be able to expand on our engagement with an untapped demographic of youth talent within the military community,” said James Hogarth, Helmets to Hardhats executive director. “We will be able to offer specialized training programs and direct referrals into the workforce to ensure our clients can thrive in the unionized construction industry.”