The Ontario government is investing in three new programs in an effort to encourage more women and young people to enter careers in construction.
The province is investing $3.6 million into the free programs that are expected to increase female participation in the industry, provide online training tools and exclusive employment opportunities to job seekers, and provide Grade 12 students with a first-hand look at careers in construction.
All three programs will be led by the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario (PBCTCO).
“These projects, while all unique, together focus on developing the workforce of the future and expanding opportunities within the skilled trades for equity-seeking groups,” said Marc Arsenault, the business manager at PBCTCO, in a news release. “As we move forward, this investment supports a fact-based approach to workforce development that will create opportunities for more Ontarians to embark on a great career to build the province we live in.”
The first PBCTO project will provide leadership, communications, health and safety training, and networking opportunities to 700 tradeswomen. The project will also provide opportunities for tradeswomen to speak at schools, employment agencies, and trade shows to attract more women into the skilled trades.
The second project will provide 1,500 people with access to online resources and training tools to build core skills in the skilled trades and find apprenticeship opportunities in their profession of choice.
The third project, entitled the Tomorrow’s Trades program, will provide 60 Grade 12 students in London and Ottawa with hands-on learning opportunities, behind-the-scenes access to high-profile construction projects, and industry training.
These projects will be funded through the government’s $700 million Skills Development Fund.