Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae and Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson have announced funding for free pre-apprenticeship training in their ridings.
Over $419,000 is being made available in the region as part of the provincial government's "record investment into 100 free pre-apprenticeship programs around the province to promote careers in the skilled trades to young people and help tackle the province’s historic labour shortage," according to a release.
The project will be led by the Technical Training Group. There will be training locations in Stratford, Listowel, and Clinton. The goal is to have those interested in skilled trades get the training necessary to pursue a career in their field of choice.
The program will include welding, metal fabricating and machining training at school tech facilities in Stratford, Clinton, and Listowel in the evenings and on weekends, when not in use by day students. The programs also include an 8-week paid work placement with local employers which can lead to full time employment and apprenticeship opportunities in the manufacturing sector.
“Our government is making it easier for people seeking a career in the trades to enter the workforce,” said Thompson. “This funding will contribute to the growth and overall health of this industry by supporting pre-apprenticeship programs. In doing so, we’re bringing these programs closer to home while helping numerous individuals start a lifelong, lucrative career in the trades – and positioning our region for future growth and economic prosperity.”
“Attracting more people to the skilled trades will be integral as we look to achieve our goal of building 1.5 million homes over the next decade,” added Rae. “There are over 140 trades in Ontario, offering good-paying jobs, including right here in Perth-Wellington.”
The provincial government says this funding is part of a nearly $1.5 billion-dollar investment in the Skilled Trades Strategy, from 2021-22 to 2023-24.
Funding allocations are as follows: Program Location Pre-Apprenticeship Funding Clinton $ 139,964 Listowel $ 139,964 Stratford $ 139,964 Total $ 419,892