ECAO Announces DEI Training under Provincial Funding

EIN ECAO Logo

July 6, 2022

The Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO) announces that it has been awarded Skills Development Funding of $1.7 million from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Ontario’s Skills Development Program bolsters ground-breaking training and development projects that upskill workers and prepare job seekers for meaningful work in their communities.

“We’re excited to continue the momentum started with the first round of 150 Skilled Development Fund projects, all of which have proven tremendously successful in helping further build the skills of hundreds of thousands of workers and job seekers,” said Hon. Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “It’s imperative for the health of our province that businesses thrive and continue to grow, and key to their success is having a talented, skilled workforce.”

Eligibility for this second round of funding was expanded to allow a wider range of organizations including Indigenous skills and employment training centres, social service administration boards and hospitals, among many others, to help provide more people with the training needed to fill the expected shortage of skilled workers in Ontario.

The Ministry’s investment, which supports several industry organizations, will enable ECAO to provide its 500+ unionized electrical contracting firms a yearlong Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training program designed to improve workplace practices, boost performance and change the culture of the electrical communications, construction and maintenance industry. ECAO is partnering with Leadership Surge, a growing force in corporate training and development with a particular focus in the construction and subcontracting trade industries, to facilitate its DEI program.

“The entire construction industry is facing significant challenges as a result of not having a diverse, qualified pool of skilled workers,” said R. Graeme Aitken, ECAO Executive Director. “Diversity is certainly a hot topic for many reasons, but it truly is one of the most critical solutions to our systemic labour shortage. We’re so appreciative of the support of Minister McNaughton and the Skills Development Fund so we may further empower our member companies to transform their cultures by creating work environments that are welcoming to everyone in the Province of Ontario.”

This second round of funding brings Ontario’s total investment in the Skills Development Fund to more than $200 million. The Fund was designed to support fresh ideas for training and skills development that will help keep our economy open and make our workforce more resilient. Other organizations are receiving support from the Skills Development Fund to accommodate trainees and workers with disabilities including travel costs for people who require mobility support. Employers can receive up to $5,000 per job placement if they support a trainee with a disability.

To learn more about ECAO’s DEI program, click here for a message from Alex Willis, founder of Leadership Surge. For more information on the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, visit their website at https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-labour-training-skills-development.

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • BC Hydro Making it Easier and More Affordable to Connect New Homes

    BC Hydro Making it Easier and More Affordable to Connect New Homes

    July 24, 2025 BC Hydro is supporting the construction of new housing developments in growing communities by advancing changes to streamline upgrades and reducing the cost of new customer connections to BC Hydro’s electricity grid. “As communities across B.C. grow, so does the need for essential housing. We are committed to ensuring we’re ready to… Read More…

  • Mitrex Sets Record with Largest BIPV Solar Panel Mural at SunRise Residential in Edmonton

    Mitrex Sets Record with Largest BIPV Solar Panel Mural at SunRise Residential in Edmonton

    July 22, 2025 Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) manufacturer, Mitrex proudly announces that its transformative SunRise Residential project in Edmonton, Alberta, has earned the Guinness World Record for the largest solar panel mural globally. This landmark project showcases Mitrex’s innovative BIPV solar panels, blending cutting-edge solar technology with vibrant cultural artistry to redefine sustainable architecture. Sustainable Architecture with BIPV Spanning over 30,000 square feet, the Mitrex eFacade PRO plus… Read More…

  • Nexans Unveils a Cable Made with 100% Recycled Materials

    Nexans Unveils a Cable Made with 100% Recycled Materials

    July 24, 2025 Nexans has reached a major milestone in its sustainability journey by developing a prototype cable made entirely from recycled materials — a first in the company’s history. This innovation combines technical performance, industrial feasibility, and a drastically reduced environmental footprint, marking a decisive step forward in circular economy. A cross-continental success story… Read More…

  • EFC Welcomes New Manufacturer Member: MGM Transformers

    EFC Welcomes New Manufacturer Member: MGM Transformers

    July 24, 2025 Since 1974, MGM Transformers has produced tough and trusted transformers designed to get the job done right. As a leading manufacturer, the company employs a highly experienced and dedicated engineering team that excels in custom designs. MGM Transformers is committed to excellent quality and service, offering industry-leading lead times and exceptional customer service. MGM Transformers specializes… Read More…