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The Ontario government expanded its investment in pre-apprenticeship training to a record $28 million, providing more young people with the training they need to launch rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Between July and September 2021, there were more than 330,000 unfilled jobs in Ontario, many of which are in the skilled trades. Pre-apprenticeship training programs are free for participants, combine classroom training with on-the-job learning, and play a crucial role in reducing Ontario’s skilled labour shortage.

Over the coming weeks, Ontario will also be finalizing the second round of projects under the Skills Development Fund – a more than $200 million initiative that supports innovative programs that connect job seekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying careers close to home. The first funding round of the Skills Development Fund last year supported almost 150 projects, including many focused on the skilled trades, and helped 280,000 people around the province take the next step in their careers.

These initiatives build 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.

Quick Facts

  • To find out about pre-apprenticeship programs in your area, contact Employment Ontario.
  • This funding increases the government’s annual investment in pre-apprenticeship programs by $5 million.
  • Ontario has also started negotiations with over 52 training organizations to expand 98 pre-apprenticeship projects for current and future tradespeople.
  • There were 1,790 people enrolled in pre-apprenticeship programs from April 2021 to March 2022 across Ontario.
  • Data suggest that the need to replace retiring workers is elevated in the skilled trades. In 2016, nearly one in three journeypersons in Ontario were aged 55 years or older.