The Ontario government has injected a significant sum of money into a training program run by the Ontario Home Builders Association (OHBA).

Labour, Training and Skills Development Minister Monte McNaughton announced on December 7 that his government would invest nearly $3 million into the OHBA’s Job-Ready Program that aims to teach participants about general home-building techniques. The provincial funding will enable 166 people to receive free training through the program

“The residential construction industry and its workers build a critical part of our communities – the homes that families across Ontario can call their own,” said McNaughton. “As more of these workers retire, we need talented people to fill their boots. Our government is giving people a hand up to well-paying, meaningful careers so they can build better lives for themselves and more homes for us all.”

The announcement follows a November commitment of $90 million over three years for programs to promote careers in the skilled trades to young people, and brings the government’s spending on skilled trades and housing programs to more than $1.5 billion over the next four years.

Participants in the Job-Ready Program will learn about general home building techniques, how to work with power tools, how to of different products in construction, and health and safety on the job. Training will last up to eight months and will be delivered in the classroom and on job sites. The project also provides incentives to employers to hire graduates.

Ontario is forecast to face a shortfall of more than 100,000 construction workers over the next several years, many of which are for positions in residential home building. The OHBA is working with home builder associations and community partners across the province to identify those regions and employers most in need of skilled workers in residential construction to take part in the program.

“The Job-Ready Program is an important support to help bring eager entry-level employees into Ontario’s home construction sector,” said OHBA President Bob Schickedanz. “With 166 participants in the program and over 40 percent of those from underrepresented groups, the Job-Ready Program through the provincial Skills Development Fund is helping unlock new opportunities for in-demand and rewarding careers in communities across Ontario.”

More information on the program is available by contacting OHBA at 647-887-1279. Training is available to anyone who lives in Ontario.