Ontario Providing Free Training for Construction Workers

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

That is why we are investing $3.6 million through our Skills Development Fund to support three free, innovative projects, led by the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, to help over 2,200 people prepare for meaningful and well-paying careers in the construction sector and skilled trades.

The first project will help 700 tradeswomen gain the leadership, communications, health and safety training, and networking opportunities they need to prepare for rewarding careers in the industry.

The second project will give 1,500 jobseekers access to online resources and training tools where they can explore the skilled trades, build core skills and explore local apprenticeship opportunities in their area, connecting directly with local employers.

Additionally, this year, the Tomorrow’s Trades program is partnering with schools in London and Ottawa to provide 60 grade 12 students with first-hand experiential learning opportunities in the construction and maintenance industry, so they can prepare for life-changing jobs in the industry.

Our government has invested more than $1 billion over three years to help more people begin rewarding careers in the trades.

As a result of these efforts, last month, we announced that new apprenticeship registrations in Ontario have increased by 24 per cent overall and by nearly 30 per cent for women.