'This project shows how our government is partnering with local communities to address economic challenges and help more people find work in the trades'
Ontario’s ministry of labour, training and skills development announced on July 3 that it will be investing over $4 million through its SkillsAdvance program to support a local construction training program in Georgina, ON, as well as to help people find a career in the trades and accelerate the construction of affordable housing.
SkillsAdvance Ontario (“SkillsOntario”) currently has over 50 projects ongoing across the province, of which five are dedicated to the construction sector. This specific program will connect job seekers with the relevant employment and training to gain access to the sector. It will also provide services to employers so as to help them recruit the right workers.
“This project shows how our government is partnering with local communities to address economic challenges and help more people find work in the trades. Many communities have been hit hard by the pandemic, and as we continue to reopen Ontario's economy, effective training initiatives will be an essential part of our efforts to get everyone back on the job.” Said Monte McNaughton, minister of labour, training and skills development.
The project is led by Georgina Trades Training Inc. (GTTI) and the Town of Georgina is supporting the project with $2.6 million in funding. Additionally, Georgina will be leasing the land that the housing units will be built on as part of the project.
Margaret Quirk, mayor of Georgina said: “As a founding partner of GTTI, The Town looks forward to continuing this partnership with the development of the Skilled Trades Institute. This is a great opportunity with far-reaching economic and social benefits in providing post-secondary opportunities closer to home for residents, addressing skilled trades shortages while creating affordable housing for those who need it.”
The project aims to prepare up to 100 job seekers with construction-related skills. Training will begin in January 2021.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development
