Ontario investing $24M in training for new apprentices
by CM Staff
The Apprenticeship Capital Grant program funded 64 training providers and 19 apprenticeship training organizations across the province in 2021-22.
SCARBOROUGH — The Ontario government is investing $24 million to improve and modernize equipment and training facilities that support hands-on learning for students and apprentices. These investments hope to ensure apprentices have access to high-quality training as they pursue rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
Details were shared today by Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development and Deepak Anand, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister, at Centennial College’s School of Transportation.
“By 2025, one in five jobs in Ontario are expected to be in the skilled trades,” said Minister McNaughton. “Our government is working for workers to ensure the mechanics, welders, and heavy equipment operators of tomorrow have the quality tools and equipment they need to learn the tools of their trade. This investment will give students and apprentices the learning experiences they deserve in the classroom, so they are set up for success on the job site.”
The Apprenticeship Capital Grant program funded 64 training providers and 19 apprenticeship training organizations across the province in 2021-22. Centennial College has invested over $1.6 million to upgrade equipment, including the purchase of three 3D measuring systems and six vehicles equipped with modern computer systems to improve training for future Automotive Service Technicians Apprentices and Auto Body Collision and Damage Repairers.
“As a recipient of the Apprenticeship Capital Grant, Centennial College can attest to the significant impact this funding provided our institution, particularly by enabling us to modernize equipment and offer an unparalleled learning experience to our apprentices as they prepare for rewarding careers in the vibrant skilled trades sector,” said Craig Stephenson, President and CEO of Centennial College.
Other funding recipients in 2021-22 included the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre in Oakville, which received $105,000 to build a separate washroom facility for women and create a more inclusive training facility.
Interested organizations can apply for funding until December 21, 2021.
