The Ontario govvernment is adding $55 million to apprenticeship training initiatives that will include programs to raise awareness about careers in the skilled trades.
The Canadian Welding Association, part of the CWB Group welcomed the annoucement.
“Given the skills shortage in the welding industry, we welcome today’s announcement to provide additional support for students looking to enter the skilled trades,” said CWB Group president Doug Luciani. “We thank Minister Moridi for recognizing the importance of skilled trades to Ontario’s continued success and economic growth.”
Included in the funding announcement was $13 million in additional funding for The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program, which targets groups that are underrepresented in the trades.
The CWB Group has recognized the importance of encouraging underrepresented groups to become qualified welders, leading to the creation of the CWA Foundation, with a mandate to provide access to educational opportunities for all levels of education from elementary through to post- secondary, as well as aboriginal peoples, women, those with disabilities and visible minorities.
“A highly trained and skilled workforce will ensure that Ontario is able to meet its infrastructure and manufacturing demands in the future,” said Dan Tadic, executive director of the Canadian Welding Association (CWA). “By supporting apprenticeships, Ontario is investing in its future by helping ensure a future pool of properly qualified welders.”
Work placements for people considering the trades and in-class training will be funded through $19-million in increased funds, while colleges and other training facilities will receive money for upgraded equipment and more lab time and space.
According to an April 9 story by The Globe and Mail online, Ontario invested approximately $165 million in apprenticeships. As a result of the investment, apprenticeship registration has grown by more than 100,000 in the last decade.
