$826K in funding announced to support new apprentices

The Ontario government is investing more than $826,000 to help young workers get jobs in the trades.

The Ontario government is investing $826,441 through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to support new apprentices in Windsor.

In partnership with IBEW local 773 the funding will expand their job readiness program, giving young workers hands-on experience and safety certifications, including aerial platform training, first aid, and electrical basics, before they even set foot on a job site.

The goal to build a stronger, safer, and more job-ready workforce. 48 young workers have already gone through the program.

This initiative is part of a broader $2.5 billion provincial plan to deliver better training, better jobs, and bigger pay cheques across Ontario.

MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh, Andrew Dowie, is excited about the potential this monetary support and investment will provide future electricians and others trades professional in Windsor-Tecumseh going forward.

“Having this announcement today and helps us support our students getting a great paycheck and a great career ahead of them,” said Dowie.

Karl Lovett is the business manager of IBEW (Local 773) in Windsor. IBEW headquarters is the site where students learn trades skills in a comprehensive in-class and hands on environment.

“What happens with job readiness is it takes the burden off the union and off the contractor. The government takes care of the funding. We put these people through training. If they can’t cut it, they don’t make it through the program,” said Lovett.