Summary
Today, Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, joined by Deepak Anand, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister, Vijay Thanigasalam, MPP for Scarborough-Rouge Park, Christina Maria Mitas, MPP for Scarborough Centre, and Aris Babikian, MPP for Scarborough-Agincourt announced that our government is investing over $600,000 to help 390 young people from underrepresented backgrounds train for and secure apprenticeships in the construction sector.
The funding will open doors to careers in the plumbing, steam fitting, electrical, elevator mechanic and refrigeration trades through programs delivered by Hammer Heads, a non-profit organization that supports underprivileged youth from the Greater Toronto Area.
The investment consists of funding for three projects that support youth who are trained through the Hammer Heads program:
· $350,569 for a free pre-apprenticeship program led by Hammer Heads to enable 18 youths, in two cohorts of nine, to participate in Hammer Heads’ 10-week program preparing them for careers in the construction sector. The program covers health and safety training, helps participants with academic upgrading and provides soft skills job preparation, construction skills training and placement with a union for an apprenticeship. The program for the first cohort begins on June 21, and for the second cohort begins on January 17, 2022.
· $218,200 for the Pinball Clemons Foundation to mentor 300 graduates of the Hammer Heads pre-apprenticeship program in years two through six of their apprenticeships, ensuring they have the support they need to successfully complete apprenticeship training. The Hammer Heads program currently guides program graduates through the first year of apprenticeship employment.
· $34,314 for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 353 to create, and deliver the Hammer Heads Virtual Reality Safety Training project, which will help 72 Hammer Heads participants travel virtually onto real construction sites to learn about safety hazards and best practices.
Key Messages
· As our province safely and steadily reopens we’re seeing strong demand for qualified workers across many industries.
· That’s why our government is investing over $600,000 to help up to 390 youth from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the trades train for and secure apprenticeships in the construction sector.
· This training offers young people a hand up and opens the door to well-paying, in-demand and meaningful careers in the plumbing, steam fitting, electrical, elevator mechanic and refrigeration trades.