Ontario Investing $55 Million to Help More People Enter the Skilled Trades

Entering Skilled Trades

An additional $investment in three programs that support apprenticeship will help the next generation of skilled tradespeople access the training, equipment and facilities they need to get good jobs.

As part of a renewed Youth Jobs Strategy, new funding will be distributed over two years to two apprenticeship programs:
•    The Apprenticeship Enhancement Fund will receive an additional $23 million. This will help colleges and other institutions train more people and deliver relevant, high-quality apprenticeship programs by investing in equipment, space and technologies.
•    The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program will receive $13 million more in funding. This will help people considering careers in the trades develop their job skills and readiness to find work as apprentices through in-class training sessions and work placements.

In addition, colleges and other training organizations funded by Ontario will receive an additional $19 million over three years. This funding increase will support equipment upgrades and more lab time during in-school apprenticeship sessions.

Bolstering funding for apprenticeship programs will ensure more people have the skills needed to meet the evolving needs of the workforce and to build the modern infrastructure that will make Ontario’s economy more competitive.

Supporting a modern apprenticeship system is part of the government’s four-point economic plan for Ontario. This plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

Almost one in five new jobs in Ontario over this decade is expected to be in trades-related occupations. New annual apprenticeship registrations have grown from about 17,000 in 2002-03 to more than 28,000 in 2013-14. In 2014-15, Ontario provided grants and loans of about $164.5 million to the apprenticeship system.

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • ABB Acquires Bel Products Inc. to Expand Enclosures Portfolio in North America

    ABB Acquires Bel Products Inc. to Expand Enclosures Portfolio in North America

    June 3, 2025 ABB Electrification Canada Inc. announced it has completed its acquisition of Bel Products Inc., a Canadian manufacturer of commercial, industrial and custom-made enclosures. This acquisition enhances ABB’s market presence in Canada and the U.S., expanding its product portfolio and enabling the company to leverage its manufacturing, warehousing and supply chain capabilities to better meet growing customer demand. The financial terms of the transaction are undisclosed. The enclosures market is experiencing strong growth, fueled… Read More…

  • WAGO Now Available at Vanco Electrical Solutions

    WAGO Now Available at Vanco Electrical Solutions

    June 2 2025 Vanco Electrical Solutions are excited to announce that Vanco Electrical Solutions has partnered with WAGO, making their full line of innovative spring‑pressure connection and automation products available online at vancoelectrical.com. From their groundbreaking Push‑in CAGE CLAMP® technology to flexible I/O systems, WAGO has built a reputation for reliability and ease of use across… Read More…

  • Sonepar Announces the Appointment of Rob Thibeault to President of Robertson Electric

    Sonepar Announces the Appointment of Rob Thibeault to President of Robertson Electric

    June 2, 2025 Sonepar is pleased to announce the promotion of Rob Thibeault to President Robertson Electric effective June 2, 2025. Rob joined Robertson in 2017, bringing with him extensive experience in retail and marketing. Rob’s skill and dedication quickly saw him taking on additional responsibilities in operations, pricing, and analytics. Demonstrating a keen understanding… Read More…

  • Hammond Power Solutions Appoints Phill Picassinos as New Regional Sales Manager for Eastern GTA

    Hammond Power Solutions Appoints Phill Picassinos as New Regional Sales Manager for Eastern GTA

    June 2, 2025 Hammond Power Solutions is pleased to announce the appointment of Phill Picassinos as the Regional Sales Manager for Eastern GTA, Ontario. Phill will lead HPS’ sales efforts in the Eastern GTA, focusing on strengthening customer relationships and implementing regional strategies that align with national sales objectives. “Phill brings a wealth of experience… Read More…