Cambridge MPP Belinda Karahalios visited Conestoga’s Fountain Street campus in Cambridge on Friday, November 8 to announce an investment of $240,840 to support the delivery of pre-apprenticeship training in the Industrial Mechanic Millwright program.
Cambridge MPP Belinda Karahalios (centre) announced funding to support the delivery of pre-apprenticeship training in the Industrial Mechanic Millwright program on November 8.
The funding is part of an overall provincial government investment of $20.8 million in 91 projects across the province that will help more than 1,800 individuals prepare for jobs in the skilled trades.
“By helping people who are interested in apprenticeships bridge the gap between the skills they have and the skills employers need, we’re helping build the workforce that makes Ontario open for business and open for jobs,” said MPP Karahalios.
In addition to the Industrial Mechanic Millwright program, Conestoga will also receive provincial funding for pre-apprenticeship training in Cabinetmaker and Truck and Coach Technician programs to be delivered at the college’s Kitchener (Doon) and Guelph campuses.
“This investment in pre-apprenticeship training is an important step towards addressing workforce needs while providing opportunities for individuals to access education that leads to successful careers,” said Conestoga President John Tibbits. “Building the skilled trades workforce is essential to our province’s continued prosperity and well-being.”
Approximately one in five new jobs in Ontario over the next five years is expected to be in trades-related occupations. According to industry estimates, almost 104,000 new workers will be required in the province’s construction sector alone by 2028.
Attracting new entrants into trades education and training programs is an essential first step towards addressing Ontario’s skilled trades talent shortage.
Pre-apprenticeship training is free for qualified applicants and includes the cost of textbooks, safety equipment and tools. Each of the programs includes a paid work placement as well as skills development and training. They also promote careers in the trades for all Ontarians, including newcomers, youth, women and Indigenous people.
Conestoga is a provincial leader in trades and apprenticeship training, delivering a wide range of post-secondary, pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship in-school training programs for the industrial/manufacturing, construction and transportation trades.
For more information, visit www.conestogac.on.ca/trades