December 3, 2019
The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development recently announced additional spending aimed at tackling the shortage of skilled labour in the province.

The government announced $20.8 million in spending to attract more people to the trades and an increase of $2.5 million in spending on the province’s Pre-Apprenticeship Training program. This increase is expected to provide an additional 200 people with exposure to good jobs. The program is free for participants and always includes a work placement.

“Ontario’s economy is facing a looming problem: a shortage of workers in the trades,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “We need to find additional ways to let young people and their parents know that a career in the trades is exciting, fulfilling and profitable. We have to erase the stigma and let people know that these are well-paying jobs.”

The $20.8 million investment will help to introduce over 1,800 people to the skilled trades so that they can secure vibrant and in-demand jobs.

In the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario will fund 28 projects for over 600 people to get training in a variety of trades, including: automotive service technician, arborist, electrician, hairstylist, carpenter, welder, and a number of others.