Ontario Construction News staff writer
The provincial government this week announced it will fund $700,000 to provide free training to more than 200 journeypersons and apprentices in the heat and frost insulating trades to help fill in-demand jobs.
“Securing funding from the Skills Development Fund Training Stream signifies a major achievement in our ongoing efforts to advance the skills and expertise of our members to remain current with industry demands,” said David Gardner, business manager, Local 95, International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers. “Through our Journeyperson Upgrading Program and creation of an online learning platform to prepare members to obtain their Red Seal Certification, we’re able to empower our members, build a resilient workforce, and reinforce our dedication to excellence.
“The government’s investment into this initiative is a pivotal step towards working together to strengthen the skilled trades industry and ensure a prosperous future for all.”
The program prepares participants for the Red Seal certification exam using a new, online platform designed to help reach those who would not otherwise be able to complete the training.
A Red Seal endorsement on a provincial trade certificate indicates a high level of knowledge and skill, which are valued by employers, and helps jobseekers land rewarding jobs in the skilled trades. Individual mentorship will also be available to participants during the program that continues through March 2025.
“As a staunch supporter of skilled trades and the invaluable contributions of Heat and Frost Local 95, I am delighted to join in celebrating their dedication and expertise,” said Richmond Hill MPP Daisy Wai. “Today’s visits underscore the importance of investing in our local workforce and supporting their ongoing efforts.
“By equipping our workers with advanced training opportunities, we are not only strengthening our local economy but also ensuring that our community remains competitive in today’s dynamic market.”
Ontario’s Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream has aimed to help train almost 600,000 jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying and fulfilling careers, as well as removing the barriers for new Canadians and tradespeople.
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s SDF has aimed to help train almost 600,000 workers in in-demand sectors, including over 66,000 construction workers, over 92,000 manufacturing workers and over 36,000 personal support workers (PSWs) / health care workers.
More than 420,000 are expected to be from underrepresented groups such as women, youth, persons with disabilities and Indigenous peoples.
As of April 2024, close to 201,000 jobs were going unfilled across the province.
The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario.
“This training will help participants upgrade their job skills and prepare for well-paying jobs in the skilled trades,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “For over 80 years, Local 95 of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers has been providing valuable education and skills training to its members, and we are proud to partner with them on this essential project.”