In an effort to attract more young people into the skilled trades, which are facing a serious worker shortage, the Ontario government is putting an additional $26.8 million toward recruitment and training.
Minister of Labour Monte McNaughton and Minister of Education Stephen Lecce announced the funding to boost youth exposure to careers like plumbing and carpentry while at the London Regional Children's Museum on Thursday.
"Ontario's demand for workers in the trades is on the rise, and we want to attract more young and talented people into the exciting and challenging world of trades," McNaughton said. "Becoming an ironworker or a sprinkler fitter should be as obvious as becoming a firefighter or a lawyer."
The money announced Thursday brings the provincial government's total investment to $43 million. Of that, $5 million will go toward increasing awareness of the trades among elementary and secondary students, $17 million to bring industry representatives to schools, and $21 million for pre-apprenticeship work placements.
The appointment of three industry leaders to advise on attracting youth to the trades was also announced Thursday. Among their tasks will be developing a plan to reduce the stigma of the skilled trades and make it a viable first choice for young people. The three youth advisors will engage with students, parents, educators, businesses and other partners to accomplish this.
"There's a growing demand in the job market for skilled workers," said Lecce. "We want to help fill this labour shortage and mismatch with young women and men who can take on these meaningful and well-paid jobs. That is why we are continuing to position Ontario as a STEM leader for the next generation of workers."
The retirement of many current skilled trade workers has contributed to the province-wide shortage. In 2016, nearly one in three journeypersons were aged 55 years or older. Over the next eight years, Ontario will need to fill more than 26,000 skilled trade positions.
