Refrigeration apprentices compete at Skills Ontario in 2016.The Ontario government plans to invest more money into the skilled trades. They recently announced the investment of $559,837 for Sheridan College’s, Davis Campus, Brampton, Ont., general machinist and industrial mechanic millwright pre-apprenticeship programs.
Pre-apprenticeship training programs are publicly funded, last up to one year, and often combine classroom training with an eight to 12-week work placement.
In Ontario, there are several different pre-apprenticeship programs available. Georgian College, Barrie, Ont., will offer a 33-week multi-trade industrial mechanic, welder, industrial electrician, and plumber program. It will begin on April 13 at the Midland Campus.
“The multi-trade pre-apprenticeship program will help those interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades and help provide a pathway into apprenticeship programs,” said Dean Mac Greaves, associate dean at Midland Campus.
A similar program is available at the Muskoka Campus, Bracebridge, Ont. A 14-week program and 12-week paid work placement in plumbing, electrical and carpentry is being offered. The program will start May 19 and applications are due by May 1.
In 2016, nearly one in three journeypersons were aged 55 years and over, reports the Ontario government in a press release.