Ontario offering free trades training

The Ontario government has announced that it will spend more than $13 million to provide free training and paid apprenticeships for future electricians. The move is expected to impact more than 2,500 people across the province.

With over $2 billion in infrastructure projects on the horizon, Ontario faces a shortage of electricians and other skilled trades workers. The province expects this program to help deliver critical hospitals, schools and roads on time and on budget.

“When you have a job as an electrician, you have an in-demand job for life,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “I continue to hear from students and parents who don’t know how to enter this incredible field, which can pay over $50 an hour. That is why our government is investing over $1.5 billion in programs like this, which break down barriers and connect young people to life-changing careers in the skilled trades.”

The funding will support nine projects across Ontario. Two of the projects are being delivered by the Ontario Electrical Industry Training Trust Fund who are training nearly 300 people for jobs as construction and industrial electricians and cabling specialists.

“This funding announcement will help apprentices access the best training possible to address the growing need by employers for network cabling specialists,” said James Barry, executive secretary treasurer of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Construction Council of Ontario (CCO). “As technology continues to evolve, this in-demand trade not only provides a fulfilling career for young people and underrepresented populations, but their skills will be critical to helping build and sustain Ontario’s infrastructure well into the future.”

www.ontario.ca