Sarnia, ON — Skilled trades workers looking to upskill will soon be able to have access to more online and in-person courses. The Ontario Pipe Trades Council will receive $10.5 million in provincial funding, while the Joint Training and Apprenticeship Committee (JTAC) Local 46 Training Centre will receive a $1.1 million investment.
“Across Ontario, businesses continue to see a shortage of skilled workers needed to build our province. These projects will help 1,500 hard-working men and women take the next step in their careers so they can earn more take-home pay, provide for their families, and build stronger communities for us all,” explained Monte McNaughton, minister of labour, training and skills development for the province.
The Ontario Pipe Trades Council funding will help participants attend virtual and in-class training to upgrade their skills, and support the purchase of specialized equipment so that apprentices can learn proper operating techniques. Training is open to members of the United Association within Ontario.
The second project will see the JTAC Local Training Centre provide six to eight weeks of training per level of in-class training for 488 apprentices in the plumber, steamfitter, and welder trades. In addition, eligible apprentices will be able to receive income support while attending full-time schooling.
“Within Ontario alone, our UA Local Training centers support upwards of 6,500 apprentices throughout their journey toward successful completion while simultaneously upskilling an additional 16,000 journeypersons with the best training available in the piping industry,” said Mike Gordon, director of Canadian training for the United Association Canada.