The Ontario government has announced plans to invest nearly $1.75 million to support six apprenticeship training projects across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

The funding is being delivered through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant program to upgrade training facilities, purchase modern equipment and expand hands-on learning opportunities for apprentices.

“To build the homes, transit and infrastructure Ontario needs, we must continue training the next generation of skilled workers,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By investing in apprenticeship training across the GTA and throughout Ontario, we are helping apprentices gain hands-on experience with the modern tools and technologies they will use on the job.”

This latest investment will support projects in Durham, York, Peel and Halton regions that will enhance training labs, expand shop capacity and introduce advanced technologies to better prepare apprentices for in-demand careers.

The six funded projects include:

• Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program, which is receiving $451,402 to add electric motor troubleshooting labs, expanding hands-on technical training equipment for elevator mechanic (elevating devices) apprentices.
• International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793 Training Institute, which is receiving $400,000 to renovate and modernize the apprenticeship training centre, giving hoisting engineer (mobile crane operator) apprentices a safer, more capable environment to train in.
• Labourers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 506 Training Centre, which is receiving $333,654 to purchase a telehandler and skid steer, enhancing hands-on training for construction craft worker apprentices.
• Provincial Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre, which is receiving $300,000 to introduce hands-on virtual reality training and modern equipment for sheet metal worker apprentices.
• Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology, which is receiving $205,000 to introduce new automotive and electrical training labs, expanding and modernizing in-class equipment and hands-on training opportunities for automotive service technician apprentices.
• Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, which is receiving $55,922 to purchase 24 carrier units to expand training capacity and equipment for apprentices in the plumbing trade.

The government says the upgrades will provide apprentices with access to modern, industry-relevant training with equipment and spaces that reflect employers’ needs. The investments will also help training providers keep pace with evolving technologies while preparing more workers for careers in sectors critical to Ontario’s growth, including construction, transportation and infrastructure.

Over the next decade, Ontario is expected to need over 400,000 workers to fill job openings in skilled trades-related occupations, across all sectors, due to retirements and job growth. In the construction sector alone, Ontario is expected to need nearly 75,000 workers to fill job openings in skilled trades-related occupations due to retirements and job growth.

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