Ontario funding Indigenous training for in-demand jobs – On-Site Magazine
October 16, 2023
Eight new provincially funded training projects aim to help 1,700 workers and jobseekers fill openings in Northern Ontario.
The Ontario government is putting $7.3 million towards eight innovative training projects that support Indigenous people across Northern Ontario. The government says the programs will prepare 1,700 workers for rewarding careers in their communities in critical sectors like construction, mining, logging, healthcare and tourism, and help fill vacant jobs in the region.
“Across Northern Ontario, thousands of great jobs are waiting to be filled,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government is proud to invest in ground-breaking training programs that will connect more Indigenous people to the training they need to find life-changing jobs and build stronger communities for everyone.”
One of the projects receiving government funding is led by Ironworkers Local 759 in Thunder Bay. It aims to help 100 jobseekers in the region upgrade their skills to rewarding careers in Northern Ontario’s booming construction industry. The one-year ironwork and welding program will be free to participants.
“By honouring the past with time-tested techniques, we forge the future of ironwork as we proudly train our apprentices,” said BJ Sault, president of Ironworkers Local 759. “With the generous support of the provincial government, we’re not only fostering a skilled workforce but also creating opportunities that will leave a lasting impact.”
