Ontario working for workers by investing in training for good jobs in Eastern Ontario

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Province is investing nearly $1 million to help workers earn bigger paycheques and advance their careers

Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, announced that our government is investing $921,908 in apprenticeship training to be offered by the Upper Canada District School Board in partnership with Kemptville Campus. This investment will offer workers in Kemptville and the surrounding area the training they need to pursue in-demand and well-paying jobs in our community.

“Our government is working for workers by investing nearly $1 million in high-quality training for skills trades here in Kemptville, so that young people don’t need to travel to the big city to learn and train,” said MPP Clark. “With this announcement, we are investing in our students, our rural economy, and a bright future for skilled trades in Eastern Ontario.” This funding is in response to two funding applications and will allow UCDSB in partnership with the Kemptville Campus to focus on a suite of program and service offerings that will address the many barriers associated with Red Seal Apprenticeship completion. Building on the success of the Level 1 Commercial Vehicle and Equipment (CVEA) Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program delivered in 2021, the intent is to deliver another intake in 2022 along with the following opportunities:

  1. A Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Adult Learners: The CVEA Level One Pre-Apprenticeship program will target clients with some knowledge of and experience in the Motive Trades (Truck and Coach, Heavy Equipment and Agricultural Equipment) who are seeking Apprenticeship Certification, as well as new entrants seeking second career opportunities, and underrepresented groups (Women, Indigenous Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, Racialized Groups, Youth, lower wage earners) who are seeking a gateway to dependable employment in high-demand sectors. This “Try a Trade” Pre-Apprenticeship initiative will have adult students participating in CVEA in-class training and 12 weeks of work placement across all three sectors.
  2. One-on-one student support throughout the Apprenticeship pathway: TR Leger (UCDSB) will provide participants in all available programs with wrap-around supports – employment skills, mentorship, exam preparation, Literacy & Basic Skills (LBS) and training specific to experiential learning and apprenticeship training within the Motive Trades. The goal is for participants to overcome barriers, successfully complete the CVEA learning program and continue their apprenticeship pathway with local industry partners and employers.
  3. Apprenticeship Awareness Learning opportunities (Micro-Credential Training for Adult Learners): Adults wishing to explore employment in the motive vehicle trades will have the option of participating in a 6 week or a 12 week micro-credential program. These programs will provide an opportunity for Adult Learners to increase their knowledge and skills in preparation for long-term employment in the motive trades sector. The 12 week program offers the added benefit of experiential work placement within the industry.
  4. Upskilling for those seeking entry-level positions and for those in the industry seeking just-in-time, fast-track learning modules (Micro-Credential Certification): The Micro-Credential Certification Program is designed to support the same learner groups as the CVEA apprenticeship in a customized format.

“I am thrilled to see the Government of Ontario’s support for the delivery of leading edge educational and apprenticeship programs in Eastern Ontario. We appreciate the strategic investment made by the Upper Canada District School Board and the important financial commitment being offered by Ministers McNaughton and Clark. This will positon these programs for long term success,” emphasized North Grenville Mayor Nancy Peckford.

“It’s no secret that skilled tradespeople are in high demand. These programs that we have developed with our community and industry partners will not only help address the labour shortage in the trades, but help unemployed or under-employed people get experience in the trades that could ultimately lead them to well-paying jobs,” says UCDSB Chair John McAllister. “The UCDSB is very appreciative of this investment in youth and adult job seekers in Eastern Ontario.”

This initiative is supported through the government’s Skills Development Fund, which has provided over $200 million in funding for innovative projects that address challenges to hiring, training, or retraining workers during the pandemic.

“Our government is working for workers every day. Through our Skills Development Fund, we’re giving workers the training they need to fill in-demand jobs, earn bigger paycheques and advance in rewarding careers that make their families and communities stronger,” said Minister McNaughton. “Our government has a workers-first plan to deliver a stronger Ontario. As we build today for a better tomorrow, we need all hands on deck. We’re leaving nobody behind and we’re getting it done.”

This investment builds on the government’s ongoing efforts to attract, support and protect workers, making Ontario the top place in the world to work, live and raise a family. It follows legislation Minister McNaughton recently passed that provides foundational rights for digital platform workers, requirements for employers to disclose their electronic monitoring of employees and for businesses in high-risk settings to have Naloxone kits on hand, and several red tape reductions to encourage out-of-province workers to help fill the generational labour shortage.

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