Eight local organizations are set to receive a combined investment of more than $6 million from the Ontario government as part of a provincial push to expand apprenticeship pathways and modernize skilled trades training across the city.
The funding, delivered through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program, the Apprenticeship Capital Grant, and the Skills Development Fund Capital Stream, is expected to initially help nearly 200 people prepare for careers in the skilled trades, according to the province.
Mohawk College is the single largest recipient, receiving more than $2.6 million.
That includes $1.89 million to modernize electrical, carpentry, automotive, and millwright training at its Stoney Creek campus, $483,252 to purchase new electrical training equipment, and $265,699 to train 15 sheet metal workers with hands-on learning, certifications, and paid work placements.
YWCA Hamilton is receiving over $1.8 million to train 54 participants, primarily women and youth, for careers as automotive service technicians, autobody workers, and welders.
Ironworkers Local 736 is receiving more than $948,000 to build a new 7,000-square-foot training facility and purchase modern training equipment, including overhead cranes.
The investment will also help upgrade existing equipment and support an additional 75 trainees over the next five years.
The local YMCA is receiving over $330,000 to train 20 participants, primarily youth through a Truck and Coach Technician program.
Next, the local John Howard Society is receiving over $321,000 to support 15 participants in machinist and millwright training for those facing barriers to employment, including participants who have been through the justice system.
Finally, United Association 67 Technical Trades Academy is receiving over $59,000 to upgrade a welding machine, the Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program is receiving over $59,000 to modernize equipment, and the Finishing Trades Institute of Ontario is receiving over $52,000 to purchase a new industrial sandblaster.
David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development commented, “Creating more opportunity in the skilled trades starts with giving workers the training and experience employers are looking for.”
“Through these investments, we’re helping more workers in Hamilton transition into good-paying careers, supporting employers facing economic pressures and strengthening the industries that will drive Ontario’s future prosperity.”
Ontario is expected to need over 400,000 skilled trade workers over the next decade due to retirements and job growth as the province builds more homes, highways, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure.
That number includes about 7,700 electricians, 7,300 millwrights, 6,400 welders, and 800 ironworkers.
Dr. Cebert Adamson, Vice President Academic at Mohawk College, thanked the government for the investment.
“Keeping our training environments current with industry needs strengthens the student experience, supports learners throughout their journey into the trades and helps ensure the employers have access to graduates who are prepared to contribute from day one,” he said.
Monica Ciriello, Member of Provincial Parliament for Hamilton Mountain, added that the investments will “help build a stronger workforce” and “create more pathways to rewarding careers” in Hamilton.
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.
