Province tops up apprenticeship capital grant by $24M for ‘22–‘23
The Ontario government is taking further steps to deliver on its skilled trades strategy.
On December 2, Labour, Training and Skills Development Minister Monte McNaughton announced that the province will allocate $24 million next year to those trades-training organizations that wish to improve and modernize their equipment. The money will be provided through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant program and will, according to the province, ensure apprentices have access to high-quality training.
“By 2025, one in five jobs in Ontario are expected to be in the skilled trades,” McNaughton said at the announcement at Centennial College’s School of Transportation. “Our government is working for workers to ensure the mechanics, welders, and heavy equipment operators of tomorrow have the quality tools and equipment they need to learn the tools of their trade. This investment will give students and apprentices the learning experiences they deserve in the classroom, so they are set up for success on the job site.”
The Apprenticeship Capital Grant program has so far funded 64 training providers and 19 apprenticeship training organizations 2021–22. Centennial College has invested over $1.6 million to upgrade equipment, including the purchase of three 3D measuring systems and six vehicles equipped with modern computer systems to improve training for future Automotive Service Technicians Apprentices and Auto Body Collision and Damage Repairers.
“As a recipient of the Apprenticeship Capital Grant, Centennial College can attest to the significant impact this funding provided our institution, particularly by enabling us to modernize equipment and offer an unparalleled learning experience to our apprentices as they prepare for rewarding careers in the vibrant skilled trades sector,” said Craig Stephenson, President and CEO of Centennial College.
Other funding recipients in 2021-22 included the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre in Oakville, which received $105,000 to build a separate washroom facility for women and create a more inclusive training facility.
Those organizations interested in applying for funding for 2022–23 have until December 21 to do so.
The grant funding announcement falls under the umbrella of the province’s $1.5-billion Skilled Trades Strategy.