THUNDER BAY — Three training projects in Thunder Bay received funding from the provincial government making it easier for people to in the north to start a career in the skilled trades.
In Thunder Bay on Tuesday, Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, announced $1.5 million in funding for two pre-apprenticeship training programs with the Anishinabek Employment and Training Services, and the third by Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment and Training Services.
“Our mission is to get more people into the skilled trades across Ontario,” McNaughton said. “We know across the north there is a huge shortage in the skilled trades. We’ve seen the mining sector really take off and there are thousands of job opportunities.”
The funding will allow more than 100 Indigenous people to receive training and apprenticeship experience in trades such as carpentry, construction, plumbing, and electrical. It also includes a 12-week paid work placement providing hands-on experience.
“There are a lot of people retiring out of the skilled trades and for far too long governments have said the only way to be successful is to go to university,” McNaughton said. “These are opportunities we need to tell parents, young people, and educators that they are purpose driven careers and we need to get people in here.”
The funding is part of the province’s $28 million pre-apprenticeship program.