The province says that up to 3,545 members are expected to benefit from the increased training capability over the next six years as a result of the investment. Pictured: Ontario Labour Minister David Piccini. Photo Credit: David Piccini/X.
The Ontario government recently announced that they are investing over $3.6 million as part of four skilled trades training projects and one training centre expansion project in Hamilton.
The funding is part of the government’s Skills Development Fund (SDF), which was launched in 2021 and has seen the province invest nearly $1.1 billion to train workers for in-demand jobs.
The government also launched the SDF Capital Stream in June 2023 to help build skilled trades training centres. They have invested an additional $224 million into those projects.
The government says that the investment in Hamilton will be used to “provide free training for up to 3,800 apprentices, journeypersons, and jobseekers, preparing them for careers in in-demand jobs such as millwright, welding, and electrical trades.”
Three local groups will be receiving funding.
First, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 1916 (operating as Millwright Local 1916) is receiving $797,953 for a project to provide 125 millwrights, apprentices, and journeypersons with training on the latest jobsite technology.
Second, the International Association of Bridge, Structural, and Ornamental Iron Workers Local 736 is receiving $178,460 for a project to help up to 50 ironworker apprentices, journeypersons, and jobseekers gain welding skills.
The funds will also be used to purchase and outfit four new welding booths at their training facility.
Third, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 105 is receiving about $2.4 million for two training projects to help 80 people gain entry-level electrical skills and to help Red Seal electricians looking to upskill and get their welding certificate.
Local 1916 is also receiving an additional $248,338 through the SDF Capital Stream for a project to build a new mezzanine level at their existing training centre in Hamilton which will increase their training space by up to 20 per cent.
The province says that up to 3,545 members are expected to benefit from the increased training capability over the next six years as a result of the investment.
Ontario’s SDF has already supported projects to help almost 600,000 people train for in-demand jobs, including over 66,000 construction workers, over 92,000 manufacturing workers, and over 36,000 personal support and health care workers.
However, the province says that more than 500,000 additional workers will still be needed in the skilled trades in Ontario, especially as the government moves forward with building more homes, highways, and other infrastructure.
“As Ontario continues to grow, we need to attract more people into the skilled trades,” said Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, David Piccini.
“Our government has achieved impressive results for workers and jobseekers by working closely with labour and industry partners,” he continued.
Local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Neil Lumsden, who represents Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, also commented on the investment.
Lumsden added, “Removing barriers to entry for the next generation of skilled tradespeople will empower Hamiltonians by providing the training and skills they need to get good paying, in-demand jobs in sectors that will continue to be an important part of achieving our housing needs.”
Donna Skelly, the local MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook, echoed Lumsden.
“Our government remains committed to addressing the province’s labour shortage and helping more people find meaningful work,” she said.
The province says that those interested in participating in the announced training programs should contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
Based in Hamilton, he reaches hundreds of thousands of people monthly on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. He has been published in The Hamilton Spectator, Stoney Creek News, and Bay Observer. He has also been a segment host with Cable 14 Hamilton. In 2017, he received the Chancellor Full Tuition Scholarship from the University of Ottawa (BA, 2022). He has also received the Governor General’s Academic Medal. He formerly worked in a non-partisan role on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
