Ontario Announces New Programming to Promote Skilled Trades and Technology Careers

EIN On JA 400

June 4, 2021

The Ontario government is investing almost $440,000 to help more than 2,000 high school students learn more about available skilled trades and technology careers. The project, led by not-for-profit Junior Achievement (JA), will help local communities recover more quickly from COVID-19 by addressing a shortage of workers in jobs like electrician, plumber, carpenter, computer analyst and software developer.

Free activities and events will be offered virtually and in-person for high school students aged 15 to 18, including:

  • A provincewide virtual fair in October 2021 for 2,000 students to learn about skilled trades and technology careers.
  • A 50-hour training program from July 2021 to March 2022 for 800 students to acquire technical skills that help prepare them to succeed in these sought after professions.
  • A provincewide virtual event in March 2022 for hundreds of youth to demonstrate their new skills and connect with local industry mentors.

“From a modernized math curriculum that focuses on job and life skills, to mandatory learning on financial literacy and coding, our focus remains on giving young people the tools to succeed,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “Our continued investments in the skilled trades, coupled with real-world learning, will ensure more young people enter and succeed in these dignified, well-paid, and often entrepreneurial vocations.”

This initiative aligns with the province’s Skilled Trades Strategy, which supports economic recovery by breaking the stigma of the skilled trades, simplifying the apprenticeship system and encouraging businesses to hire more apprentices.

“Junior Achievement in Ontario welcomes the support of the Skills Development Fund for JA’s Building a Stronger Future initiative – a youth entrepreneurship program specializing in the trades and technology sectors,” said Jennifer Holmes Weier, President and CEO at JA Central Ontario. “In partnership with JA charters across Ontario, this initiative will leverage JA’s signature Company Program, teaching high school students to think like entrepreneurs, learn essential skills, support their employability, and inspire them to consider careers in the trades and technology sectors.”

This new investment is part of Ontario’s $115 million Skills Development Fund, designed to support fresh ideas for training and skills development that will help our economy recover and prosper.

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • The Non-Residential Sector Declines in All Three Components Despite Sustained Industrial Permit Level

    The Non-Residential Sector Declines in All Three Components Despite Sustained Industrial Permit Level

    November 4, 2024 The total value of building permits in Canada decreased by $858.1 million (-7.0%) to $11.5 billion in August, following a strong July during which construction intentions rose sharply (+20.8%). The residential and non-residential sectors contributed to the decrease in August. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), the total value of building permits decreased 7.6% in… Read More…

  • A Slight Decrease in Residential Building Construction for August

    A Slight Decrease in Residential Building Construction for August

    November 4, 2024 Investment in building construction edged up 0.2% to $21.0 billion in August, after a 1.6% decrease in July. The residential sector edged down (-0.1%) to $14.6 billion, while the non-residential sector was up 1.0% to $6.4 billion. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 7.2% in August. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction was… Read More…

  • When a Familiar Door Closes

    When a Familiar Door Closes

    November 4, 2024 By Keith Sones, seasoned utility industry executive Most of the articles I’ve written have been based on personal experiences, many of them occurring decades ago, which eventually translate into helpful life lessons. The years allow the events to marinate in a savoury stew of time and reflection, clarity never coming immediately, or even… Read More…

  • Regulatory Changes to Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification System

    Regulatory Changes to Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification System

    November 4, 2024 Effective October 30, 2024, Manitoba’s apprenticeship and certification system will undergo regulatory changes. These changes aim to enhance responsiveness to industry needs, align with Red Seal standards, and improve the quality of apprentice training and safety. Go HERE for more information Source Read More…


Changing Scene