The province of Ontario is responding to a looming skilled trades shortage by investing in training for Indigenous people in the Thunder Bay area. The Province has announced funding of nearly $2 million for two separate projects.

In an event at the Anishinabek Employment and Training Service Centre (AETS), MPP Greg Rickford announced that Ontario is investing nearly $500,000 in two pre-apprenticeship training projects for 35 Indigenous people. The funding will allow participants to get their start in high-demand trades such as carpentry, welding, and drywall, acoustic and lathing application. 

Rickford also announced an additional investment of $250,000 for AETS through the Indigenous Economic Development Fund. This application-based funding will go towards preparing participants for apprenticeship opportunities in the construction and carpentry sectors. This includes job readiness training, level one construction/carpentry training and an eight-week placement.

"These apprenticeship training opportunities along with our partnerships, will provide First Nation citizens with the stepping stones to build skills and gain knowledge needed to realize their career goals," said John DeGiacomo, Executive Director of AETS.

Pre-apprenticeship training promotes careers in the trades for all Ontario residents. These programs are free, last up to one year and often combine classroom training with an eight to 12-week work placement.

As well, the province is investing nearly $1.5 million at Supercom Industries, through SkillsAdvance Ontario over the next three years. This funding will go towards training and upskilling 172 new and current Indigenous employees in heavy equipment operation, mechanical harvesting, AZ truck driving, tower assembly and construction. 

Supercom Industries is partnering with Nextbridge Infrastructure to build and maintain the 450-kilometer East-West Tie Transmission Line being built outside of Thunder Bay. The Province's funding will help the six First Nations and the communities around the East-West Tie Line build a skilled labour force for this and future energy projects.

"This SkillsAdvance Ontario project will offer multiple training opportunities to job seekers, and re-skilling chances to the incumbent workers, consequently changing their and their families' lives, and overall positively impacting the economy and communities' well-being in Northern Ontario," said Cris Serban, President and CEO of Supercom Industries.