Ontario Helping Students Kick-Start Careers in the Trades

Ontario needs over 100,000 more tradespeople this decade to accomplish our government’s ambitious infrastructure plans, including building at least 1.5 million homes by 2031.

That is why our government is investing a historic $62.9 million – a 31 per cent increase – to help more than 18,000 young people to explore life-changing pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities in the skilled trades.

This includes an over $21 million investment to expand the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), which offers cooperative placements for students in grades 11-12.

OYAP allows students to jump start their career by accumulating hours toward their apprenticeship or college credits.

In addition, we are investing over $41 million to support 95 pre-apprenticeship training projects across the province to help more young people get first-hand experience working in the trades.

Pre-apprenticeships offer up to 52 weeks of free training, along with support for tools and equipment, ending in a 8-12 week paid for placement with a local employer.

This year, we doubled the number of skilled trades fairs to 10 cities, for over 28,000 students, parents, family and friends around the province. 

Our government also announced apprenticeship registrations have increased by 24 per cent in the last year – from 21,971 to 27,319 – including a nearly 30 per cent jump among women.