Ontario Expanding Youth Training Programs to Promote the Skilled Trades

Press Release

New Youth Advisors will help attract more young people into the trades

August 27, 2020

TORONTO — The Ontario Government is investing $43 million in expanded youth training programs to give young people exposure to more employment options. The programs will help increase awareness and encourage youth to acquire the skills that will start them down the path to lifelong success while supporting Ontario’s economic recovery and future prosperity.

Today, Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, and Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, announced the investments and the appointment of three industry leaders to advise on attracting youth to the trades, in London at the Children’s Museum.

“Ontario’s demand for workers in the trades is on the rise, and we want to attract more young and talented people into the exciting and challenging world of trades,” said Minister McNaughton. “Becoming an ironworker or a sprinkler fitter should be as obvious as becoming a firefighter or a lawyer. Our government is committed to ensuring that all young people across the province have the resources they need to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to get good jobs.”

The government’s investments to attract and train youth in the trades include:

$5 million, an increase of $3.5 million, to Skills Ontario so they can increase awareness of the trades among elementary and secondary students.
$17 million, an increase of $2.3 million, in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) to send representatives to schools to provide high school students with the opportunity to learn about work in the skilled trades, and/or train as apprentices while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma
$21 million in Ontario’s Pre-Apprenticeship Training program, giving students and graduates exposure to a variety of good jobs in the skilled trades. The program is free for participants and includes a work placement

In addition, Ontario is appointing three Youth Advisors to engage with youth, educators, business, parents and other key partners as well as the Minister of Labour Training and Skills Development on how to reduce stigma and make the trades a viable first choice for young people.

They will advise on increasing awareness of the skilled trades among elementary school students, starting in grade one, with a focus on grades seven and eight, and on making it easier for high school students to learn about the options in the trades and to begin an apprenticeship pathway while continuing to earn secondary school credits.

“There’s a growing demand in the job market for skilled workers” said Minister Lecce. “We want to help fill this labour shortage and mismatch with young women and men who can take on these meaningful and well-paid jobs. That is why we are continuing to position Ontario as a STEM leader for the next generation of workers.”

“Today’s announcement reflects our government’s priority to encourage youth to explore the tremendous opportunities in skilled trades,” said Jane McKenna, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “A career in the skilled trades is both rewarding and life changing.”

Quick Facts

There are 144 skilled trades in Ontario.
Pre-apprenticeship training programs are publicly-funded, last up to one year, and often combine classroom training with an 8-12-week work placement. Pre-apprenticeship training programs promote careers in the trades for all Ontario residents, including youth at risk, new Canadians, women and Indigenous people. To find out about programs in your area, contact Employment Ontario by phone, e-mail or live chat.
Retirements in the skilled trades are contributing to the shortage of skilled workers. In 2016, nearly one in three journeypersons were aged 55 years and over.
The average age of an apprentice in Ontario is 29.
Ontario needs more than 26,000 additional skilled trades workers over the next eight years.

Additional Resources

Quotes

“Local 95 is proud to congratulate Adam Melnick on his appointment to this innovative position. This announcement is a big step forward in making students and young people aware that the trades offer good jobs and fulfilling careers. We look forward to positive impact and growth within our industry, as our younger generations become more aware and knowledgeable on the importance of our trades.”

David Gardner
Business Manager, Insulators Local 95

“Today’s announcement will encourage young people to look toward good, well-paid careers in the trades, providing the skilled workers Ontario needs to build homes across the province.”

Richard Lyall
President, RESCON

“We’re delighted that additional funding will focus on where it counts: helping early learners appreciate why the skilled trades are such a vibrant and worthwhile career choice. With so many jobs opening up in the skilled trades, it’s about time the trades are seen as every bit as valuable as all other academic pursuits.”

Karen Renkema
Chair of the Ontario Skilled Trades Alliance (OSTA)

Media Contacts

Janet Deline
Communications Branch
MLTSDmedialine@ontario.ca
416-326-7405

Bradley Metlin Minister’s Office
Minister’s Office
Bradley.Metlin@ontario.ca

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