The government of Ontario is investing $1.3 million in skilled trade program at Fanshawe College in their corporate training solution (CTS) to launch the free pre-apprentice program in carpentry, welding and automotive service technicians. These trades are in high demand and can offer six-figure incomes with pensions and benefits. There are 17,000 jobs that are unfilled in London -including many of them in skilled trades and Ontario will need 100,00 more workers in this industry over the next decade.
“Pre-apprenticeship training is one of the best gateways to a career in the trades,” says Heather Carey, manager of CTS. This opportunity allows Canadians to jump straight into the trade sector and allow themselves to have a safe future while providing them with enough knowledge to build their own businesses.
“The skilled trades offer meaningful, well-paying careers where you can buy a home and start a family,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government is proud to invest in free pre-apprenticeship programs to give students a hand up to better jobs and bigger paycheques. I urge any skilled trades employers in London looking to support the next generation to contact Fanshawe and see how they can participate.”
”These are important programs that can help employers add talent and enhance their trades team with enthusiastic new employees eager to apply their knowledge, skills and passion to grow in a rewarding career in the trades.” Says Heather Carey, manager of CTS.
The pre-apprentice programs, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, consist of 18 weeks of robust hands-on training covering the practical theory and skills development required to become a Level 1 certified apprentice. Once the students become Level 1 apprentices, they are required to complete a 12-week paid work placement in their related trade between October 2023 and January 2024
As Canada’s economy recovers from the pandemic, many industries are still dealing with labour shortages. This is especially true for the skilled trades. With education and training interruptions, stigmas surrounding careers as a skilled tradesperson, as well as mass retirement1, the projected demand for skilled trades is far outweighing the number of new graduates and young Canadians who are choosing to pursue a career in the trades.
“We look forward to working with employers to help set up this group of willing and enthusiastic participants for skilled trades success,” says Neufeld. “Together we can strengthen the future of skilled trades in Ontario by building the confidence, competencies and career options for the next generation of skilled tradespeople.”
In-person classes and lab training are taking place at Fanshawe’s London Campus., supplemented by various online activities focused on enhancing employability skills (e.g., AI practice interviews, tools to help with resume and cover letters and self-confidence development workshops). To find out more about the programs, go to fanshawec.ca/preapp.
“Ontario’s investment in free pre-apprentice programs in Carpentry, Welding and Automotive Service Technicians will help alleviate many of the unfilled jobs in London and surrounding communities,” said Rob Flack, Member of Provincial Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “With generational investments coming to our region, such as the Volkswagen Battery Plant, investments in programs such as Fanshawe College’s Corporate Training Solutions will help students find better jobs and earn bigger pay cheques.”
The funding announced today is part of a province-wide investment of more than $28 million in pre-apprenticeships. It provides young people with the training they need to launch rewarding careers in the skilled trades and tackle the province’s historic labour shortage. Recently the province announced apprenticeships have increased by 24 per cent and nearly 30 percent among women.
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