The Ontario government has announced an investment of $7.3 million to support eight training projects aimed at Indigenous people across Northern Ontario.

The programs will prepare 1,700 workers for careers in their communities in such sectors as mining, logging, construction, healthcare and tourism.

“Across Northern Ontario, thousands of great jobs are waiting to be filled,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government is proud to invest in ground-breaking training programs that will connect more Indigenous people to the training they need to find life-changing jobs and build stronger communities for everyone.”

One of the projects is led by the Ironworkers Local 759 in Thunder Bay. It will help 100 workers and job seekers in the region upgrade their skills to find careers in the region’s construction industry. The one-year program will be free to participants and help tackle the critical shortage of ironworkers and welders.

“By honouring the past with time-tested techniques, we forge the future of ironwork as we proudly train our apprentices,” said BJ Sault, President of Ironworkers Local 759. “With the generous support of the provincial government, we're not only fostering a skilled workforce but also creating opportunities that will leave a lasting impact, honoring the diverse traditions that have shaped the Ironworkers Local 759.”

The other seven projects are led by various organizations across multiple industries in Northern Ontario. They will offer a variety of tailored supports, including mentorships, paid job placements and mental health resources, as well as transportation and accommodation.

For example, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1687 in Sudbury will receive more than $715,00 for a project to provide virtual skilled trades and apprenticeship training to 250 participants. The training will span a variety of sectors including electrical work, pipe bending, welding and equipment operation.

"We have partnered with Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Mushkegowuk Council, and the Moose Cree Training and Employment Unit to train fifty indigenous youth, of which, ten will receive electrical apprenticeships,” said Local 1687 Business Manager and Financial Secretary Kevin Gaudaur. “We are looking forward to continuing the relationship with the provincial government to provide training in the electrical field to the residents of Northern Ontario for years to come."

All eight projects are funded through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream, which supports programs that connect jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying careers close to home.

To date, the province has invested more than $860 million in the stream, helping half a million people take the next step in their careers.