Backgrounder


Ontario Supports Skilled Trades

Action to Support Training Centres

July 25, 2008

Ontario is taking steps to help meet tomorrow's demand for skilled workers.

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities today issued two requests for proposals that will help Ontario to strengthen its skilled labour force.

The Apprenticeship Enhancement Fund will provide $40 million over three years to assist colleges to acquire state-of-the-art equipment, update facilities and train more apprentices.

The Ontario Skills Training Enhancement Program will provide $15 million over three years to help training centres modernize equipment, build and update facilities and train more workers.  Training centres include union training centres, employer training centres, and union-partnered training centres.

Ontario has the largest apprenticeship system in Canada, with more than 150 apprenticeable trades in four sectors: construction, industrial/manufacturing, motive power and service.

Expanding apprenticeship is part of the Ontario government's $1.5 billion, three-year Skills to Jobs Action Plan, aimed at helping more Ontarians get the training they need for tomorrow's high-value jobs.

Learn more about Ontario's apprenticeship programs and service for apprentices and employers.