New modular construction training site, added funding for Skills Ontario give trades a boost

The new training program will give those looking to start careers in construction real-world experience building modular units. PHOTO: Adobe Stock/Primestockphotograpy

Two new investments in the Ontario skilled trades community will give more than 100 trainees on-site experience and help direct more students to careers in the trades.

In separate announcements last week, the province committed approximately $4 million to a new training program in Georgina, Ont., as well as backed Skills Ontario with $3.5 million in new funding.

The training program, being run though SkillsAdvance Ontario and led by non-profit Georgina Trades Training Inc. (GTII), will see more than 100 prospects looking to start careers in construction help build modular affordable housing units in the town just south of Lake Simcoe.

“Acute shortages in the skilled trades have become a serious problem for Ontario’s economy that requires bold, creative thinking to come up with solutions,” John De Faveri, chair of GTTI, said in a release. “Not only are we attracting and training post-secondary school graduates as well as multi-barrier candidates to consider a career in skilled trades, we are at the same time creating a unique model for municipalities that clearly speaks to affordable housing.”

The town of Georgina is spending an added $2.6 million on the training program, which is expected to start next January.

Along with backing the hands-on initiative, the Ontario government announced a further $3.5 million in funding for trades-promoting organization Skills Ontario. The investment aims to help the organization add new programs and expand its outreach to students, educators and parents.