Skills Development Fund provides $600K to Hammer Heads programs
The Ontario government has provided supports to another construction-training program through its Skills Development Fund.
Labour, Training and Skills Development Minister Monte McNaughton announced $600,000 in funding to support a program aimed at nearly 400 underprivileged youth in the Greater Toronto Area. The funding will open doors to careers in the plumbing, steam fitting, electrical, elevator mechanic and refrigeration trades through programs delivered by the non-profit organization Hammer Heads.
“Not every young person needs to go to university. Rewarding jobs in the construction sector are growing, well-paid and going unfilled,” said McNaughton. “Hammer Heads helps guide talented, trained and eager young people along their journey to these life-changing careers with education and hands-on learning. These projects will help boost our economy and give these young workers a leg up.”
The investment consists of funding for three projects:
- $350,569 for a free pre-apprenticeship program led by Hammer Heads to enable 18 youths to participate in a 10-week program preparing them for careers in the construction sector. The program covers health and safety training, helps participants with academic upgrading and provides soft skills job preparation, construction skills training and placement with a union for an apprenticeship.
- $218,200 for the Pinball Clemons Foundation to mentor 300 graduates of the Hammer Heads pre-apprenticeship program in years two through six of their apprenticeships, ensuring they have the support they need to successfully complete apprenticeship training.
- $34,314 for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 353 to create and deliver the Hammer Heads Virtual Reality Safety Training project, which will help 72 Hammer Heads participants travel virtually onto real construction sites to learn about safety hazards and best practices.
The program for the first cohort of Hammer Heads training has already been filled, and the second cohort begins in January. More information is available at www.hammerheadsprogram.com.
"The Hammer Heads Program is excited to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development through the Skills Development Fund to provide under-resourced and under-represented youth with training and apprenticeship career opportunities within the construction industry,” said James St. John, business manager/financial secretary with the Central Ontario Building Trades and director of the Hammer Heads Program. “This funding will enable our program to positively impact these youth and to contribute to our communities and the province in a meaningful, sustainable way, resulting in much-needed systemic change."
The programs are 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.