Ontario investing in construction skills training for Indigenous people

Ontario is investing in construction training for Indigenous people in the Thunder Bay area, helping them develop valuable job skills and furthering their education.

The province is supporting the Construction Craft Worker Training Program delivered by Anishinabek Employment & Training Services (AETS). This program provides pre-apprenticeship training for Indigenous participants from nine First Nation communities in the Thunder Bay area. It  helps graduates become registered apprentices, get jobs in construction or further their education with valuable post-secondary training, while also providing courses focused on life skills and resume-building.

Minister of Northern Development and Mines, MPP Thunder Bay-Superior North

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer this program to the citizens of our nine communities. It enables Anishinabek Employment and Training Services to fulfill our vision of leading in the development of a skilled Aboriginal workforce by providing meaningful and comprehensive training opportunities that lead directly to exceptional employment opportunities with our industry partners,” said Angie Lynch, project coordinator, AETS.

Supporting economic development for Indigenous communities is one of many steps on Ontario’s journey of reconciliation with Indigenous people. It reflects Ontario’s commitment to work with Indigenous partners, creating a better future for everyone in the province.

Investing in skills training is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives. 

Quick Facts

• Ontario is providing $250,000 through the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund (AEDF) to Anishinabek Employment & Training Services (AETS) to support the Construction Craft Worker Program. This is the second year that the AETS has received funding through the AEDF to support this program.
• AETS is currently delivering the third intake of the Construction Craft Worker Program. The program is 22 weeks long and each intake provides training for 20 of students.
• Ontario is investing a total of $95 million through the AEDF over 10 years. The AEDF was launched in 2014 and has three funding streams: Regional Partnership Grants, Economic Diversification Grants and the Business and Community Fund. To date, Ontario has funded 57 projects with Indigenous partners through the fund.