News Release Ontario Helping Apprentices Cover Living Expenses during TrainingOctober 7, 2020
$75 Million Investment and Expert Advice will Improve Training, while making it Safer and More AffordableTORONTO —The Ontario government is making the skilled trades more accessible by investing an additional $75 million over the next two years to help apprentices cover living expenses during their in-class training. The government is also appointing a five-member Skilled Trades Panel to provide advice and recommendations to the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development on developing a new approach to training and certification.
The announcement was made today at Downtown Toyota Toronto by Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Joseph Mancinelli, International Vice President of LiUNA, Patrick J. Dillon, Business Manager and Secretary Treasurer of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, and Karen Renkema, Chair of the Ontario Skilled Trades Alliance, among others.
This $75-million investment includes:
"Demand for workers in the trades will only increase as the province continues down the path of renewal, growth and economic recovery. That's why our government is replacing lost wages for apprentices while they are in training so they can focus on completing their education and not having to worry about paying the bills," said Minister McNaughton. "This investment will help them earn a higher quality education to ensure they acquire the skills they need to find good jobs and careers in the trades."
The new Skilled Trades Panel, chaired by Michael Sherrard, will provide advice and recommendations to the Minister on the replacement of the Ontario College of Trades with a new approach to providing services, including compliance with compulsory training and certification requirements. The panel will also provide guidance on the criteria and process used to make decisions on the classification and training for the trades.
"I am honoured to accept this appointment," said Michael Sherrard, Chair of the Skilled Trades Panel. "This is an important opportunity to modernize, streamline and strengthen the skilled trades system in our Province. With my colleagues on the panel, I look forward to listening to interested stakeholders and contributing to a solution that serves apprentices, journey-people and anyone who may consider a career in the skilled trades." |
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CONTACTSBradley Metlin Kalem McSween Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development |
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