fbpx

Ontario Setting Up Apprentices and Employers for Success

Autosphere » Mechanical » Ontario Setting Up Apprentices and Employers for Success
The Ontario government is investing $47 million in 2021-22 to hire more apprentices, improve the quality of training and help them complete their training and certification. Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK

With our aftermarket mechanical and autobody industry suffering from a lack of new technicians, this should be right up to some companies’ alleys…. an investment in apprentices that is helped by the Ontario government!

This Apprentice Incentive is now available to eligible apprenticeship sponsors.

Take a look… this could help you get the apprentice you need.

The Ontario government is investing $47 million in 2021-22 to hire more apprentices, improve the quality of training and help them complete their training and certification through the new Achievement Incentive Program and the expanded Apprenticeship Capital Grant.

These programs are designed to support those who train apprentices, such as businesses, colleges and other training organizations, providing more young people with high-quality training that will lead to successful careers.

“This is a critical investment as our apprentices will be the ones who will help provide essential services,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

“Through these programs our government is supporting this important training pipeline, creating the next generation of our skilled workers and providing more young people with the opportunity to get good jobs in their communities. Our economic recovery and future growth depends on having a robust skilled workforce,” further states McNaughton.

Ontario’s $23 million Achievement Incentive Program will provide over 11,000 employers in the construction, industrial, service and other sectors with up to $4,000 in funding per apprentice as they reach key training milestones.

For example, a hair salon, restaurant, childcare centre or autobody shop could receive a $1,000 payment once their apprentice reaches a new in-class training level or receives the highest level of trade certification.

Employers, especially small businesses, are critical to training the next generation of workers in the skilled trades, and Ontario wants to encourage more of them to participate in apprenticeship programs.

Additionally, the government is investing $24 million—a $10 million increase from last year—through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant, to help colleges, unions and apprentice training providers upgrade their equipment and facilities to ensure apprentices are learning and using state-of-the-art infrastructure during their in-class training.

Examples include new virtual reality training equipment and simulators, new tools or upgraded accessibility supports, all of which help apprentices acquire the skills they need to be job-ready.

These initiatives are part of the government’s Skilled Trades Strategy, which includes reducing the stigma related to a career in the skilled trades, simplifying the apprenticeship system, and encouraging business participation.

Quick Facts
  •  In 2020-21, Ontario will invest $21 million in the Achievement Incentive. This investment will grow to $23.1 million in ongoing funding in 2021-22.
  • The Achievement Incentive is now available to eligible apprenticeship sponsors who will receive an email from the ministry today with a web-link to apply electronically through a secure, one-time on-line application.
  • Statistics show there is a shortage of skilled trade workers in Ontario. Data suggests that the need to replace retiring workers is greater for workers in the skilled trades than for other occupations. In 2016, nearly 1 in 3 journeypersons were aged 55 years or older.
  • An average apprentice takes 3 to 5 years to complete their training to become a journeyperson – or certified skilled tradesperson.

Popular Posts

Calendar

march

10janAll Day31marASE Winter Testing Registration Now Available

april

12aprAll Day10mayMastering The Art of Diagnosis Level Two

22apr(apr 22)8:30 am24(apr 24)5:30 pmNAFA Institute and Expo 2024

23aprAll Day24AIA Canada National Conference 2024