Welder. (Photo by © Can Stock Photo / jordache)Welder. (Photo by © Can Stock Photo / jordache)
Midwestern

Perth County program awarded apprenticeship training funds

Three Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs at Technical Training Group in Stratford have some additional funding to help address the demand for skilled workers.

Perth Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece has announced a $265,000 investment in three Welder Intake Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs, which will provide training for 36 participants. Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs help people gain trade-specific knowledge, basic job skills, and valuable work experience.

“One in five new jobs in Ontario, over the next five years, is expected to be in the trades,” said MPP Pettapiece. “Investing in Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs, such as the ones at the Technical Training Group, is an important step in meeting this demand for skilled workers.”

In total, the government will invest $20.8 million into the program to help introduce over 1,800 people to the skilled trades, so that they can secure vibrant and in-demand jobs.

The government will increase spending on Ontario’s Pre-Apprenticeship Training program by $2.5 million this year, giving an additional 200 people exposure to good jobs.

“Our government is increasing support for pre-apprenticeship training programs because exposing people to careers in the skilled trades will make a difference in their lives and in our economy,” said the Minister of Labour, Training, and Skills Development Monte McNaughton. “With this expanded investment, we're opening a new pipeline of young workers.”

Pre-Apprenticeship training programs are publicly-funded, last up to one year, and often combine classroom training with eight-12 week work placement.

“The Technical Training Group is a model for the entire province,” said Pettapiece. “I am glad to see our government is supporting local organizations, which can help us address Ontario’s skilled labour shortage.”

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