Georgian College in Owen Sound is getting some funding to buy modern modern electromechanical trainer stations and electrical equipment for their Electrician Construction and Industrial Electrician programs. The province is investing $245,000 o enhance apprenticeship training because the Ontario government predicts the province will need over 100,000 new skilled trades workers this decade to improve infrastructure and build homes.
“Students enrolled in a range of programs delivered in partnership with local school boards, employers, and unions will benefit from this investment,” said Dave Shorey, Executive Director, Georgian’s Owen Sound Campus. “This helps us prepare and retain work-ready graduates close to home and we know that means they’re more likely to stay and work in our region long-term.”
“The province's investment in upgrades to Georgian's electrical training equipment will have an immediate and lasting impact on the workforce in the region,” said Kevin Weaver, Georgian’s President and CEO. “Georgian is well-poised to help fill the skilled trades gap in the region and funding such as this is integral to that work.”
The Ontario government stated the funding will help Grey Bruce residents gain hands-on skills to prepare for well-paying careers in an in-demand industry.
“This investment of new equipment for the Owen Sound Campus is excellent news that will allow apprentices to train on industry-level technology and gain the necessary training to prepare them for fulfilling and well-paying careers in skilled trades,” said MPP Rick Byers.
Byers pointed out the money comes from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s $24 million investment in the Apprenticeship Capital Grant program to improve and modernize equipment and training facilities to tackle the ongoing labour shortage, Ontario is investing over $1 billion in the skilled trades over three years.
“When you have a career in the skilled trades, you have a career for life,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government will continue to invest in the next generation of young people, ensuring apprentices can learn with quality tools and equipment as they prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.”