Ontario announces $1.2 million investment in skilled trades training for people in Niagara Region

Ontario says it is investing over $1.2 million in skilled trades training for unemployed and underemployed people in Niagara Region.

The province says the investment is in partnership with Niagara College and that the Niagara Homebuilders Association is offering 80 participants the opportunity for training to have a career as roofers and drywall installers.

“Niagara College is grateful for this funding, which will help us address an urgent need for skilled workers in the residential construction industry,” said Sean Kennedy,the President of Niagara College, in a statement.

The province says participants will receive their technical training at the School of Trades at Niagara College and can pursue either roofing or drywall installation.

It says for eight weeks, participants will take courses on health and safety, tools and techniques and other skills specific to their trade. The province says both trades pay $27 an hour on average.

Ontario says the participants will also receive a hard hat, steel-toed safety boots, safety glasses and tools — all of which they get to keep.

Participants will then transition to a six-week paid job placement with a local employer. The province says the employers are eligible for up to $5,000 per participant to offset wages paid.

The province says the project is funded by Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, which is a more than $200 million initiative that aims to support innovative programs that connect job seekers with skills and training to find careers close to home.

“All across our province, we continue to see a shortage of workers in the skilled trades, for many life-long careers that pay six figures with defined benefits and pensions,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, in a statement. “These unfilled jobs cost our economy billions in lost productivity and mean families are waiting longer for the goods and services they need. That is why our government is making strategic investments to offer hands-on training and paid work placements for eager job seekers in Niagara, connecting them with local employers in their community who are ready to hire.”

People can apply by contacting Alicia Dimitrov-Lawrence at Alicia@nhba.ca or 905-646-6281.