Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
Apprentices To Benefit From Increased Access To State-Of-The-Art Training
Government Promotes Prosperity; Invests In Ontario's Next Generation Of
Skilled Workers
TORONTO, April 6 - The Ontario government is strengthening the
skills of apprentices and tradespeople with an investment in the province's
apprenticeship system, Mary Anne Chambers, Minister of Training, Colleges and
Universities, announced today.
"Our plan is to build an economy based on high skills and high
standards," Chambers said. "An important part of achieving that goal is
strengthening our greatest competitive advantage: the skills and expertise of
Ontario's workers."
"This investment shows the McGuinty government's commitment to creating a
truly dynamic, innovative and competitive workforce in Ontario," said Joseph
Cordiano, Minister of Economic Development and Trade. "Our plan gives
Ontario's workers the tools and skills they need to build exciting futures,
with the high quality and high paying jobs they deserve."
The province is providing $37 million to Ontario's apprenticeship system
to:
- Give more apprentices hands-on training and better classroom
instruction by updating facilities and equipment at 24 community
colleges through the $20 million Apprenticeship Enhancement Fund
- Help more than 600 experienced workers develop their skills to be
eligible to become apprentices by investing $6 million in the
Pre-Apprenticeship Program. This program includes a workplace
placement for participants that can last up to 40 weeks.
- Give apprentices greater access to skilled trade courses at seven more
colleges by expanding the $6 million Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship
Program and
- Help internationally trained individuals become certified in Ontario
so they can enter the job market quicker through a $5 million
investment in the Apprenticeship Innovation Fund
"Thanks to provincial government support, George Brown College can expand
its ability to serve local employers wanting to train their skilled workers
and provide more opportunities for people to pursue rewarding careers in the
skilled trades," said Joy McKinnon, Dean, Faculty of Technology, George Brown
College.
Today's announcement builds upon the government's previous initiatives to
offer an apprenticeship training tax credit for employers to cover a portion
of the wages of new apprentices and to provide 1,500 scholarships of $1000
each to students who have left high school then returned to graduate and enter
an apprenticeship program.
Ontario's apprenticeship system is the largest in Canada and provides
access to careers in more than 136 trades in construction, manufacturing and
industry, motive power and automotive maintenance, and service sectors.
"Apprenticeship training is a very attractive career option for our young
people to consider, along with a college and university education," said
Chambers. "By strengthening our apprenticeship system we are building the
strong economy Ontario needs for continued prosperity."
Disponible en français
www.edu.gov.on.ca
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca
Backgrounder
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PRE-APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING PROGRAM
The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program will provide opportunities for
620 people to strengthen their skills and become eligible for an
apprenticeship in a specific skilled trade.
People who want a career in the skilled trades can apply for a course
that provides the technical training necessary to become an apprentice in a
specific trade. The course includes a workplace placement to give each
participant real work experience and can last up to 40 weeks.
Many programs will offer participants the opportunity to upgrade their
academic skills to the minimum academic requirement for the trade in which
they are training. Participation in the program is free. The government is
investing over $6 million in 32 projects this year.
People interested in participating in the Pre-Apprenticeship Training
Program should call the JobGrow Hotline at 1-888-JobGrow, or 416-326-5656 in
the Toronto area, for details about individual projects.
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Skilled trade Organization Project grant
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Auto Body Repairer Algonquin College, Ottawa, in $263,909
and Collision Damage partnership with the college's Job
Repairer, Branch 1 Connect providers
and 2
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Canadore College, North Bay $143,932
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Automotive Service Centennial College, Toronto, in $254,859
Technician partnership with Toronto Auto
Dealers Association and college's
Job Connect providers
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Fanshawe College, London, in $210,065
partnership with the Literacy and
Basic Skills Program at the college
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Niagara College, Welland, in $205,598
partnership with college's Job
Connect providers
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Automotive Service Confederation College, Kenora and $164,606
Technician/Heavy Thunder Bay
Duty Equipment
Technician
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Brick and Stone Management and Training Corporation, $124,092
Mason Central North Correctional Centre,
Penetanguishene, in partnership with
Universal Workers Union Local 183
and Simcoe County District School
Board, Penetanguishene
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Cook Branch 2 Canadore College, North Bay $150,482
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Cook Branch 2/Cook Confederation College, Kenora $187,455
Assistant Branch 1
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Sault College, Sault Ste. Marie, in $198,697
partnership with Job Connect
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Construction Boilermakers Education & Training $358,763
Boilermaker Centre (Boilermakers Local 128,
Toronto partnership with Humber
College
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Construction Craft FOCUS Community Development Corporation $134,320
Worker in partnership with Universal Workers
Union Local 183, Life Long Learning
Centre Inc. and The Learning Centres
Alliston Campus, Alliston
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Sault College, in partnership with $192,414
Job Connect, Sault Ste. Marie
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Educational Adult Education & Training, a division $221,985
Assistant of Crescive Corporation, in partnership
with Northern College Keewatin-Patricia
District School Board at Dryden and
Eagle Lake, and the Dryden Area First
Nations
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Collège Boréal, Windsor partnership with $138,177
the Conseil Scolaire du Centre-Sud-Ouest
de l'Ontario
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Electrician Georgian College, Midland partnership $213,000
with the Literacy and Basic Skills
Program and Job Connect providers at the
college
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Electrician: Northern College, in partnership with $143,634
Construction & Mushkegowuk Employment and Training
Maintenance Services, Timmins
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General Carpenter Fanshawe College, London, in partnership $207,595
with the Literacy and Basic Skills
Program at the college
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Sir Sanford Fleming College, Haliburton, $99,303
in partnership with Haliburton County
Homebuilder's Association and Job Connect
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Hairstylist Toronto District School Board (Adult $211,807
Learning Centres, Training &
Development), Toronto
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Heavy Duty Equipment Attawapiskat (First Nation) Development $160,016
Technician Corporation, Attawapiskat, in
partnership with Cambrian College and
Northern College
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Horticultural Humber College, in Toronto and $181,625
Technician Mississauga, partnership with COSTI and
Landscape Ontario
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John Howard Society of Durham Region, $215,973
Oshawa, partnership with Humber College
and Landscape Ontario
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Industrial Mechanic Mohawk College, Stoney Creek, $203,434
Millwright (General partnership with Dofasco and Job Connect
Mechanist)
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Information Scarborough Training Centre, in $65,529
Technology Hardware partnership with YMCA, Job Connect,
Support Technician B. L'Esperance & Associates
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Parts Technician Collège Boréal, Sudbury $163,983
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Refrigeration and Joint Training and Apprenticeship $230,140
Air Conditioning Committee, Refrigeration Workers Local
Mechanic 787, Brampton, in partnership with
United Association of Journeymen and
Apprentices of the Plumbing and
Pipefitting Industry
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YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington, in $176,552
partnership with Mohawk College and
Job Connect, Burlington
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Truck and Coach Algonquin College, Ottawa, in $270,159
Technician partnership with Job Connect, the City
of Ottawa, and the Automotive
Transportation Service Superintendents
Association (ATSSA)
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Fanshawe College, London, in partnership $210,065
with the Literacy and Basic Skills
Program at the college
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St. Clair College, Windsor, in $229,630
partnership with Job Connect and South
Western Ontario Industry Education
Council
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Welder La Cité Collégiale, Hawkesbury, in $168,338
partnership with Eastern Ontario school
boards and Job Connect
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Total $6,100,137
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Disponible en français
www.edu.gov.on.ca
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca
Backgrounder
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CO-OP DIPLOMA APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
Expansion of the Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship Program provides more
opportunities for young people looking for a direct path to apprenticeship
training while obtaining a college diploma. Five new integrated curricula were
developed to broaden the number of courses available to young people.
The new skilled trades and diploma courses include:
- Industrial mechanic millwright/Manufacturing engineering technician
and mechanical technician
- Automotive service technician/Motive power technician
- Truck and coach technician/Motive power technician
- Heavy duty equipment technician/Motive power technician
- Agricultural equipment technician/Motive power technician
In September 2004, six colleges began providing courses for about
190 young people to train to become cooks, general machinists, machine tool
builders and integrators, mould makers, tool makers, and tool and die makers.
Thirteen colleges will offer the program in September 2005.
The Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship Program creates a smoother transition
between apprenticeship training and college certificate, diploma and other
postsecondary credential programs.
In addition to trades training, students in the Co-op Diploma
Apprenticeship Program also receive instruction in entrepreneurship since many
apprentices set up their own business once they become certified skilled
workers.
The government's $6 million investment will grow to $9 million in
2005-06.
Disponible en français
www.edu.gov.on.ca
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca
Backgrounder
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APPRENTICESHIP INNOVATION FUND
Through the Apprenticeship Innovation Fund, the provincial government is
investing $5 million to help internationally trained trades people become
certified so that they can continue their careers in Ontario. The program
supports the development of specific curricula for new and existing
apprenticeship programs, and the development of exemption tests which
determine what a prospective apprentice already knows about practising a
specific skilled trade.
To help the internationally trained more quickly enter the job market,
the government provides:
- Two bridge training projects that will help 100 internationally
trained industrial electricians, construction and maintenance
electricians and industrial mechanic/millwrights to prepare to write
their certification exams and continue their careers in our province
- An assessment of work experience documentation at 26 locations across
the province and referral to World Education Services for an
assessment of international education credentials
- Access to translators or readers, as well as extended writing times to
help complete an exam, and opportunities for a prompt rewrite for
internationally trained skilled workers writing certification exams
- A process to appeal decisions on whether an internationally trained
tradesperson is eligible to write a certification exam and the results
of an exam
- Referrals to local colleges providing pre-certification courses or
bridge training to help internationally trained skilled workers
upgrade their skills or learning, as well as to settlement and other
community-based organizations that can provide a range of services,
such as language training
- Career maps prepared in collaboration with industry committees on the
ministry's web site that provide a road map for entry to practice in
10 skilled trades
To ensure clear, transparent services to internationally trained
tradespeople who want to continue their careers in Ontario, the provincial
government will issue a call for proposals to strengthen these services.
The aim of these proposals will be to provide enhanced tools and
information to further the government's understanding of the issues facing
internationally trained individuals seeking certification.
Disponible en français
www.edu.gov.on.ca
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca
Backgrounder
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THE APPRENTICESHIP ENHANCEMENT FUND
Through the Apprenticeship Enhancement Fund, the Ontario government is
investing in community colleges to renew and equip their facilities to train
more apprentices to industry standards of excellence. Ontario needs more
skilled workers to keep its economy strong.
The $20 million fund provides colleges with the resources to provide
hands-on training to more apprentices, support classroom training for new
skilled trades, improve the efficiency of apprenticeship classroom
instruction, and remove barriers to training for persons with disabilities.
$7 million was allocated through competition, while the remaining $13
million was assigned through a direct funding formula reflecting the number of
apprentices trained at each community college.
The table below highlights approved projects awarded by competition and
direct funding.
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College Highlights of approved projects Total invested
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Algonquin Electrician $ 1,343,377
Upgrade electrical lab to increase training
capacity by 20 per cent and ensure
apprentices are training on current
technologies.
Auto service technician
Purchase diagnostic scanners and a variety
of hand tools including pressure gauges and
a ring puller set to replace outdated
equipment.
Plumber
Modernize the plumbing lab to reflect
industry standards.
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College Information technology support analyst $ 147,476
Boréal Purchase 14 computers and a variety of hand
tools to ensure apprentices are training on
current technology.
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Cambrian General machinist/industrial mechanic $ 260,035
millwright
Purchase of four lathes to replace outdated
equipment that no longer reflects industry
standards.
Carpenter
Purchase additional equipment such as a
15 inch planer with a vacuum system, a brad
nailer and a compound mitre saw, to be able
to train more apprentices.
Heavy duty equipment technician
Update equipment such as bearing puller sets
to meet the new requirements for training.
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Canadore Truck and coach technician/heavy duty $ 340,442
equipment technician
Purchase an excavator to provide practical
training on industry standard equipment.
Cabinet Maker
Replace a thickness planer and a precision
jointer.
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Centennial Autobody collision and damage repairer $ 2,180,112
Renovate and modernize the autobody lab by
replacing outdated equipment and improving
the efficiency of the layout to improve the
quality of hands-on instruction.
Truck and coach technician/heavy duty
equipment technician
Purchase a current model commercial
training vehicle, cutaways of transmissions
and specialized tools to provide practical
training on industry standard equipment.
Motive power trades
Update the welding lab to meet the needs of
training motive power trades and purchase
new equipment in the suspension, engine,
electrical, fuel and drive-train training
facilities.
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La Cité Welding lab $ 546,026
Install a multidisciplinary welding shop to
increase access to training for French-
language apprentices in the Ottawa area.
Automotive service technician
Purchase of a variety of hand tools.
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Conestoga Electrician $ 1,367,728
Replace 20-year-old equipment and purchase
new equipment to expand the capacity to
train and to ensure apprentices are
training on current technology.
Machine-tool builder and integrator/general
machinist
Purchase new equipment to expand the college's
ability to train in the recently introduced
trade of machine-tool builder and integrator
and support general machining training.
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Confederation Motive power trades $ 501,057
Purchase electronic diesel engines, a
computerized four-wheel alignment machine
and diagnostic scanners to increase
training capacity and ensure training
reflects industry standards.
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Durham Machining trades $ 1,008,537
Purchase a variety of equipment, including
digital readouts and surface grinders, to
reflect current technology.
Plumber
Update the pipe preparation and pressure
testing lab.
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Fanshawe Construction and industrial electrician $ 1,536,305
Update electrical shop to increase the
capacity to provide training.
Machining trades
Replace worn and outdated equipment to
increase training capacity and ensure
training reflects industry standards.
Motive power trades
Replace critical equipment, such as
diagnostic scanners, in the motive power
shop to ensure apprentices train on current
technology.
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George Brown Refrigeration and air conditioning/ $ 1,589,712
steamfitter/plumber/electrician
Establish a building automation and energy
management centre to train four trades on
heating and cooling systems.
Plumber
Purchase pipe threading machine, electric
hammer drill and assorted hand tools to
replace worn equipment.
Industrial millwright mechanic
Update the precision machining and
automation centre to ensure apprenticeship
training reflects industry standards.
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Georgian Carpenter $ 217,149
Purchase new tools and update the air
handling/dust collection system to support
general carpenter training.
Cook
Purchase small wares to support cook
training.
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Humber Horticultural technician/plumber/ $ 1,525,098
electrician
Expand, enhance and modernize the multi-
trade construction lab to increase
training capacity.
Electrician
Upgrade the electrical shop including
programmable logic controllers and
peripheral equipment to ensure apprentices
are training on current technology.
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Lambton Cook $ 205,940
Replace outdated equipment to increase
efficiency and training capacity.
Horticultural technician
Update equipment to ensure apprentices are
using current technology.
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Loyalist Auto service technician $ 340,433
Update and replace a variety of equipment
including diagnostic scanners, fuel
pressure testers and a drill press.
Early childhood educator
Purchase the hardware to meet increased
demand for on-line apprenticeship training.
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Mohawk Truck and coach technician $ 2,037,427
Purchase a used tandem axle tractor and
trailer to provide practical training on
industry standard equipment.
Industrial maintenance mechanic/
refrigeration and air conditioning
Update a range of equipment including a
mechanical drive package, machine chip
conveyor, and pump system to reflect
industry standards.
Motive power trades
Update the lab by replacing diagnostic
scanners, alignment machines and hand tools
to ensure apprentices are training on
current technology.
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Niagara Machining trades $ 725,477
Upgrade equipment in the technology
training centre to increase training
capacity and ensure apprentices are
training on current technology.
Hairstylist
Create shop space on the campus to
increase the capacity to meet the demand
for training.
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Northern Construction and maintenance electrician $ 362,657
Upgrade equipment and add additional
workstations to ensure training reflects
industry standards.
Native residential construction worker
Purchase additional hand tools to meet the
increased demand for training.
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St. Clair Truck and coach technician $ 1,008,515
Renovation of the shop area to increase
floor space and efficiency and the addition
of new equipment to build the capacity to
meet the demand for training.
Automotive service technician
Purchase a dynamometer, a portable gas
analyser, and diagnostic equipment to
support emissions testing.
Carpenter
Addition of brad nailers and mortising
chisels to increase hands-on leaning
opportunities for apprentices.
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St. Lawrence Construction trades $ 577,126
Expand the multi-purpose construction
trades training centre to meet the
increased demand for training.
Automotive service technician
Purchase updated emissions testing
equipment to ensure apprentices are
training on current technology.
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Sault Construction and maintenance electrician $ 623,387
Purchase new equipment including a lab volt
instrumentation workstation and panel
meters with accessories.
Cook
Update worn equipment in the food cutting
labs to ensure apprentices are training on
current technology.
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Seneca Early childhood educator $ 443,490
Replace and upgrade playground and resource
materials to ensure quality observations
and viewable examples of exemplary teaching
practice. Purchase of portable classroom
multi-media equipment will increase access
to training for early childhood educators.
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Sheridan Machining trades $ 670,036
Upgrade equipment to ensure industrial
mechanic millwrights, general machinists
and tool and die makers are training on
current technology.
Replace lathes to increase access to
training for general machinists and tool
and die makers.
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Sir Sandford Cook $ 442,458
Fleming Modernize and expand the training lab to
meet increased demand for training.
Welding shop
Update the shop used by several trades to
ensure training reflects industry standards.
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Total $20,000,000
Funding:
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Disponible en français
www.edu.gov.on.ca
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca
Contact Info
For further information: Contacts: Rob Thompson, Minister's Office,
(416) 326-1609; Wilma Davis, Communications Branch, (416) 325-6730; Public
Inquiries: (416) 325-2929 or 1-800-387-5514; TTY: 1-800-263-2892
