The province is looking to address a skilled trades shortage in the local workforce.
The Ontario government is investing nearly $350,000 to provide free mentorship and training in construction for up to 60 people in the Sarnia region, mostly from Indigenous communities.
Local dignitaries gathered at the LiUNA Local 1089 Training Centre in Sarnia Tuesday morning to make the announcement.
Ontario Labour, training and skills development minister Monte McNaughton moves a piece of pipe using a crane during an announcement in Sarnia. Tuesday, August 3, 2021 Photo courtesy of Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey
Labour Minister and Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton said as we look ahead to the many projects on the horizon, demand for these skilled workers will only continue to rise.
"Through this program, learners will get 12 weeks of free training that will introduce them to jobsite safety, how to use the tools of the trade and reading blueprints. They'll build up the skills they need to start a career as cement finishers or work in other craft trades."
McNaughton said the program is focused on helping local Indigenous communities find dignifying careers in the trades, adding that LiUNA will be providing free transportation to all participants.
"Today, there are 8,230 jobs waiting to be filled in the Sarnia-Windsor region. To fill this labour shortage, we need all hands on deck. We must attract and train new workers from all backgrounds and walks of life."
Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey said construction and skilled trade workers build and maintain the critical infrastructure that makes this province go.
"Sarnia-Lambton, our community, is home to thousands of proud men and women who have exciting and rewarding careers in construction and skilled trades. Those men and women know just how important the work they do is to each and everyone."
VP and LiUNA Regional Manager Joseph Mancinelli said training centres like Local 1089's fill such an important role in replacing members, especially all their members they were losing through attrition.
"How important it became to our organization that training should be paramount, training has to be one of the key ingredients to the future of our organization and the future of the construction industry."
Funding comes as part of the government’s $115-million Skills Development Fund to address challenges to hiring, training and retraining workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://twitter.com/ONTatwork/status/1422557293154119696
https://twitter.com/MonteMcNaughton/status/1422583692640276486
On Tuesday morning, I was proud to join @MonteMcNaughton in announcing that the Ontario government is investing almost $350,000 to provide free mentorship and training in construction for up to 60 people in the Sarnia region, most from local Indigenous communities. pic.twitter.com/qNyCu5eS3a
— Bob Bailey (@BobBaileyPC) August 3, 2021