Skills Ontario Presents Budget Recommendations to Ontario’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

Dec 10, 2020

Skills Ontario CEO Ian Howcroft recently presented budget recommendations to Ontario’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, seeking the support of the Committee for scaling up Skills Ontario’s programming, increasing commitments to engaging underrepresented groups in the skilled trades, and sustaining and increasing funding to Skills Ontario so that the organization can continue to promote skilled trade and technology careers.

“The Ontario government has demonstrated incredible leadership throughout these challenging times, and has shown great support for Skills Ontario, which we recognize and appreciate,” says Howcroft. “With the recommendations we have proposed, we hope to continue our important work of building our future skilled workforce with inclusivity remaining a key priority. The pandemic has truly underscored the value of skilled professionals, and it is vital that we continue to promote these careers and bridge the skills gap.”

At the start of the pandemic, Skills Ontario adapted quickly and made the pivot to virtual learning, providing existing programs through a remote setting, as well as developing new initiatives so that young Ontarians could continue to explore skilled trade and technology careers from home. With the support of partners like the provincial government and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Skills Ontario reaches thousands of Ontarians across the province with an aim to inspire career exploration.

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