Recently, the Ontario government announced $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 more seats for in-demand programs at publicly assisted colleges and universities, including skilled trades.
Today’s funding announcement was accompanied by the launch of the Apprentice Toolkit, a new resource designed to support apprentices as they navigate their entire apprenticeship journey. During the event, about 40 students from Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor’s Pre-Apprenticeship program at St. Clair College were able to ask questions of the Minister and Skilled Trades Ontario representatives, and to discuss pathways into the trades, government and sector support for apprentices, and discover the practical resources available through the toolkit.
“We appreciate the Ontario government’s continued investment in skilled trades training and apprenticeship opportunities, which are critical to building Ontario’s future skilled trades workforce,” said Candice White, CEO and Registrar, Skilled Trades Ontario. “At Skilled Trades Ontario, we are proud to support pathways that connect talented individuals with meaningful opportunities while helping meet the growing demand for skilled workers across the province.”
The toolkit is designed to provide clear, assessable resources to support careers in the skilled trades, improve awareness of available tools for career success and simplify the apprenticeship journey to increase confidence among new entrants to the skilled trades.
“WEST has been opening doors for women to succeed in the skilled trades, proving that when barriers are removed, talent thrives,” said Rose Anguiano Hurst, Executive Director of Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST). “With support from St. Clair College, labour unions and the Government of Ontario, this training investment will empower 60 more women to build rewarding careers while helping employers access the skilled workforce they need.”
“By expanding opportunities in industries where women have long been underrepresented, we are strengthening Ontario’s economy, building more inclusive workplaces and ensuring the people constructing our province’s future truly reflect the communities they serve,” Anguiano Hurst said.
