April 10, 2015 – The Ontario government says it is investing an additional $55 million in three programs that support apprenticeships in the skilled trades.
 

As part of a renewed Youth Jobs Strategy, new funding will be distributed to two apprenticeship programs:
 
• The Apprenticeship Enhancement Fund will receive an additional $23 million over two years. This will “help colleges and other institutions train more people and deliver relevant, high-quality apprenticeship programs by investing in equipment, space and technologies,” according to the government.

• The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program will receive $13 million more in funding over two years to develop job skills and readiness of those considering careers in trades. The program targets groups that are underrepresented in the trades, including at-risk youth, Aboriginal people, newcomers and women. Participation in the program is free, as are textbooks, tools and safety equipment.

“Ontario’s apprenticeship system is a key part of building the well-educated and highly skilled workforce the province needs to compete in the current and future economy,” said Reza Moridi, minister of training, colleges and universities and minister of research and innovation. “This increased funding will help ensure that our young people are getting the skills training they need to get good jobs and drive further growth in our economy.”

It was also announced that colleges and other training organizations funded by Ontario will receive an additional $19 million over three years. This funding increase will support equipment upgrades and more lab time during in-school apprenticeship sessions, said the government.