Ont. introducing new policy to promote the skilled trades and alleviate labour shortage
by CM Staff
As the demand for skilled workers in the construction and manufacturing sector is set to grow significantly over the next decade, the government is trying to take action to ensure the province has the tradespeople needed to build Ontario.
BRAMPTON — The Ontario government is introducing new policy and legislative measures to try and attract more young people to the skilled trades, including adding a new apprenticeship pathway and an online job matching platform. These initiatives are designed to promote the skilled trades to youth and workers and help set them on a path to careers as electricians, plumbers, carpenters and other skilled trades.
“We’re helping to tackle the labour shortage by allowing motivated, entrepreneurial students to get on a fast-track to a career in the skilled trades,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “To get there, we’re opening pathways into the skilled trades today for the workers of tomorrow by making it easier for Ontarians to find apprenticeship opportunities through a new online job-matching portal, and reducing barriers for more workers to get a second chance at a better job with a bigger paycheque.”
As the demand for skilled workers in the construction and manufacturing sector is set to grow significantly over the next decade, the government is trying to take action to ensure the province has the tradespeople needed to build Ontario.
Building on the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), Ontario is creating a new stream, called Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training (FAST), that will allow students in Grades 11 and 12 to participate in more apprenticeship learning through additional co-operative education credits while completing high school. Graduates would receive a new seal on their Ontario Secondary School Diploma to signify their successful completion of the program and recognize them for their dedication to learning in the skilled trades.
“We are going back to basics in this province by restricting cell phones and social media, and banning vaping in Ontario schools to ensure students focus on learning and build skills that lead them into good-paying jobs,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “We are proud to announce the new Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training program that will now allow students to take up to 80 per cent of their senior courses in co-op education. This will accelerate entrance into the skilled trades, supported by the mandatory requirement for all students to take at least one Technological Education course starting this September.”
Ontario is also launching a new online job-matching portal for potential apprentices, journeypersons and employers to network and share opportunities. Currently, Ontario does not have a dedicated provincial system to match potential apprentices with hiring employers or sponsors. A government-housed platform, developed in partnership with the private sector, would help streamline the process for potential apprentices to find interested sponsors, register and begin their training.
“Making it easier for Ontario students and adults to find apprenticeship opportunities and creating more mentorship opportunities for women is welcome news for Brampton. We are a city with a talented workforce focused on building our community and positioning our city for success. Connecting our workers, and those across the province, with better career prospects helps us achieve the common goal of securing a better future for all,” said Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton.
