Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government has announced more than $2.2 million to expand apprenticeship pathways and modernize skilled trades training in Windsor.
Through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program and the Apprenticeship Capital Grant, the province is supporting three organizations that will help 80 people prepare for in-demand careers in the skilled trades and ensure students train with the modern equipment and technology used on today’s jobsites.
“I would like to thank Minister Piccini and the Ontario Government for understanding the costs associated with training a highly skilled workforce,” said Randy Dare, business manager, International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers. “The technology in construction is evolving faster than ever and we appreciate the support to give us the tools needed to train a more advanced and efficient workforce.”
The three organizations funded today include:
- Women’s Enterprise Skills Training (WEST) of Windsor is receiving more than $1.56 million through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program to train 60 women for careers in the industrial electrician, electrician construction and maintenance, refrigeration and air conditioning, sheet metal and cement finishing trades, helping expand opportunities for women in high-demand construction careers.
- Clair College is receiving more than $641,000 to expand skilled trades training, including $291,065 through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program to train 20 participants, primarily youth and other underrepresented groups, for careers in tool and die making, as well as $350,000 through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant to upgrade Computer Numerical Control machining equipment and controls with modern, industry-standard technology.
- The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers is receiving $53,720 through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant to purchase robotic surveying and monitoring technology, giving apprentices hands-on experience with advanced technology used across Ontario’s construction industry.
Together, these investments will expand access to apprenticeship training while ensuring training providers have the facilities and equipment needed to prepare apprentices for careers in high-demand sectors including construction, manufacturing and industrial trades.
“WEST has been opening doors for women to succeed in the skilled trades, proving that when barriers are removed, talent thrives,” said Rose Anguiano Hurst, Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST). “This training investment will empower 60 more women to build rewarding careers while helping employers access the skilled workforce they need. By expanding opportunities in industries where women have long been underrepresented, we are strengthening Ontario’s economy, building more inclusive workplaces and ensuring the people constructing our province’s future truly reflect the communities they serve.”
Over the next decade, Ontario is expected to need over 400,000 workers to fill job openings in skilled trades-related occupations, across all sectors, due to retirements and job growth. By 2034, about 1 in 6 job openings in Ontario are expected to be in a skilled trades-related occupation.
In the construction sector, Ontario is expected to need nearly 75,000 workers to fill job openings in skilled trades-related occupations due to retirements and job growth.
Recently, the Ontario government announced $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 more seats for in-demand programs at publicly assisted colleges and universities, including skilled trades. This is part of the government’s new long-term funding model, which will bring $6.4 billion to our colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes.
“These projects in Windsor–Essex will help more people, particularly women, youth and other underrepresented groups, gain the practical experience, confidence and industry-recognized skills needed to begin rewarding careers in the trades,” said Candice White, CEO & Registrar, Skilled Trades Ontario. “At Skilled Trades Ontario, we are proud to support pathways that connect talented individuals with meaningful opportunities while helping meet the growing demand for skilled workers across the province.”
