Ontario bakeries can apply for funding to support apprenticeship training

The Ontario is investing $21 million in pre-apprenticeship training programs for up to 2,000 people, including at-risk youth, new Canadians, and Indigenous peoples to help them pursue the hands-on experience in the skilled trades, such as baking. Eligible organizations can apply for the funding now, with the call for proposals ending on January 5, 2021.

“Before COVID-19, the tremendous development and growth in our province was leading to a labour shortage, with Ontario’s construction sector needing 100,000 more workers to meet its needs over the next decade,” said McNaughton in a press release.

Pre-apprenticeship training programs last up to one year and combine classroom training with an eight- to 12-week work placement. Last year this program helped train 1,800 people in 91 programs across the province, including 11 in Hamilton.

Training is free for participants and always includes a paid work placement. Eligible union and non-union training centres, colleges, employment agencies and other community organizations can submit their training proposals now.

“We know that COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on the social and economic well-being of women,” said Associate Minister Dunlop. “Encouraging people of all genders and backgrounds to pursue the skilled trades will help our economy get back on track and will ensure that women are not left behind in the process.”

LiUNA Local 837 represents 4,000 workers in Hamilton and Niagara Region, and received approximately $106,000 last year to provide pre-apprenticeship training for 12 participants in construction craft worker and cement finishing trades.

“LiUNA Training, specifically pre-apprenticeship training, is a gateway to building a rewarding career in the skilled trades. Together with government and our industry partners we must continue to highlight the vast opportunities in the skilled trades,” said Joseph Mancinelli, LiUNA International vice president and regional manager of Central and Eastern Canada.

Pre-apprenticeship training is a key part of the province’s 2020 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover, announced in November. As part of the Action Plan, the government’s Skilled Trades Strategy will help support economic recovery by breaking the stigma of the skilled trades, simplifying the system, and encouraging more women to get into the skilled trades.