The province is committing another $160 million to train more skilled workers, this time focusing on people with lower incomes and those with criminal records.
Labour Minister Monte McNaughton made the announcement on Aug. 25.
“For too long, too many in our community have been forgotten and treated as second class in their own province. In the middle of a historic labour shortage, we need all hands on deck,” McNaughton said.
“That is why our government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure we give anyone who wants a job and a paycheque they can be proud of a shot at the Ontario dream. Whether you’ve been on social assistance for 10 months or 10 years, we’ll help you.”
Funding will prioritize programs that propose innovative training solutions to help people on social assistance and with prior criminal records find meaningful employment in critical industries like healthcare, auto-manufacturing, information technology, hospitality and the skilled trades.
“For too long, too many in our community have been forgotten and treated as second class in their own province. In the middle of a historic labour shortage, we need all hands-on deck,” McNaughton said. “That is why our government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure we give anyone who wants a job and a paycheque they can be proud of a shot at the Ontario dream. Whether you’ve been on social assistance for 10 months or 10 years, we’ll help you.”
McNaughton spoke in Dresden, where the government announced a $465,000 investment through a previous round of the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to prepare 24 young people for careers in construction and the skilled trades in Chatham-Kent. SkillShift will provide a free six-week introductory course that teaches participants essential skills for construction, such as blueprint reading, scissor lift certifications, as well as financial literacy and soft skills, with mentors, networking opportunities and $1,125 for equipment and transportation. Participants will also receive a paid two-week job placement with a local employer.
“Through this transformative $465,000 investment, the Government of Ontario is shaping brighter futures for 24 youth in Chatham-Kent while invigorating our local construction industry,” said Phillip Mock, Executive Director at Vision Us. “Vision Us is excited to be leading this investment in our community with our partners.”
The announcement brings Ontario’s total investment in the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to over $860 million.
“This critical funding has allowed us to upskill, retrain and develop our workforce so we can continue to deliver our crucial services to underserved communities,” said Gordon Kemp, president at KE Electrical Ltd. “Working together with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, we are breaking down barriers and stereotypes to ensure that Ontario becomes a leader in training the next generation of skilled tradespeople.”
The Skills Development Fund Training Stream supports programs that connect jobseekers with skills and training.
Funding applications are now being accepted and will close on Nov. 17. Interested organizations can apply through Transfer Payment Ontario.
Organizations eligible for funding include employers, employment service and training providers, labour unions, community, business and industry organizations, municipalities, hospitals, Indigenous Band offices, Indigenous skills and employment training agreement holders and service system managers.
The first cohort for the SkillShift program began in July. For more information on how to participate in the program, contact skillshift@visionus.ca or (519) 784-4164.
“Our government believes in second chances, and we know that comebacks are possible. Providing free labour training to those with criminal records who want to contribute to Ontario’s economy will result in a safer Ontario,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “The Skills Development Fund not only builds careers that move our economy forward, but it also provides second chances to Ontarians, so they aren’t left behind.”