Province funding free training, paid apprenticeships for electricians

The Ford government is pumping over $13 million into free training and paid apprenticeships for electricians. It's a move the government says will help more than 2,500 people.

With over $2 billion worth of infrastructure projects upcoming, the province adds that Ontario is facing a shortage of electricians and other skilled trades workers.

“When you have a job as an electrician, you have an in-demand job for life,” Labour Minister, Monte McNaughton, said in a news release. “I continue to hear from students and parents who don’t know how to enter this incredible field – which can pay over $50 an hour. That is why our government is investing over $1.5 billion in programs like this, which break down barriers and connect young people to life-changing careers in the skilled trades.”

The funding announced Tuesday will support nine projects across the province, including the Ontario Electrical Industry Training Trust Fund.

It will receive over $6.4 million for two projects aimed at increasing apprenticeship registrations for the network cabling specialist (631A) apprenticeship program.

“This funding announcement will help apprentices access the best training possible to address the growing need by employers for Network Cabling Specialists,” added James Barry, Executive Secretary Treasurer, IBEW CCO. “As technology continues to evolve, this in-demand trade not only provides a fulfilling career for young people and underrepresented populations, but their skills will be critical to helping build and sustain Ontario’s infrastructure well into the future. I commend Minister McNaughton for continuing to promote high training and safety standards in the skilled trades.”