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The Government of Ontario is investing more than $6 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to support two innovative projects that will train over 1,000 carpenters in Vaughan and across Ontario.
“Our plan to keep rebuilding Ontario’s economy starts with investing in workers so they can find better jobs with bigger paycheques right here in our province,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By helping workers train for jobs in fast-growing sectors like carpentry, we’re also ensuring employers have the workers they need to continue growing their businesses and investing in Ontario’s economy.”
With approximately 1,200 carpentry vacancies across Ontario, these projects will train over 1,000 jobseekers in highly in-demand carpentry fields facing acute labour shortages.
“As Ontario attracts record levels of job-creating housing and infrastructure projects, we’re also investing in training opportunities to ensure our talent matches our ambition,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “That’s why our government is proud to work with our union partners to invest over $6 million in new training programs that will give more jobseekers the opportunity to build a bright future for themselves and their families in carpentry.”
The first project, managed by the Carpenters’ Regional Council (CRC), is receiving over $5.5 million to train over 750 jobseekers and apprentices with a combination of on-the-job training and in-class learning, including preparing for their Certificate of Qualification Red Seal exam.
“This investment through SDF will continue to fund crucial programs that will continue to grow Ontario’s skilled trades workforce, including the Carpenters’ Union’s Job Readiness Program and Red Seal Exam Prep Program. The support these programs have garnered has led to over 500 new workers starting an apprenticeship and over 250 existing apprentices challenging their Red Seal exam with confidence,” said Adam Bridgman, director of Training, Carpenters’ Regional Council.
The second project, led by the College of Carpenters and Allied Trades (CCAT), is receiving $894,824 to deliver upskilling programs up to 312 jobseekers in carpentry skills related to formwork and scaffolding, which are essential in non-residential construction and which are also experiencing an acute labour shortage across Ontario.
“SDF has been instrumental with supporting the next generation of Ontario’s skilled tradespeople, such as CCAT’s Formwork and Scaffolding Work-Ready Programs. This investment will help recruit, retain and employ the apprentices that will build the future of our province,” said Nicole Ross, executive director, College of Carpenters and Allied Trades. |
