The Ontario government has launched a new welding program at its Sprucedale youth detention centre in Simcoe as a way of giving youth in custody opportunities to train for careers in skilled trades.

This program will be available to youth through collaboration with the Canadian Welding Bureau, and is intended to help young people in the justice system reintegrate into their community and reduce the likelihood of re-offending.

“With the right support and intervention, youth in the justice system can get their life on the right track and be positive members of society,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “We are pleased to support this training program to empower more young people with the tools to do better, for themselves and their communities.”

This program consists of a welding workshop where participants can earn a nationally recognized welding certification and practical skills that can open the door to postsecondary education, trade programs, and future employment opportunities in a high-demand field.

Under the program, participants can: earn trades credits toward welding certification, improve their job readiness and be better prepared to reintegrate into the community upon release, and learn a high-demand skill that offers promising career opportunities in the skilled trades

The workshop is supported by an investment of approximately $148,000 from the Government of Ontario, as well as a one-time grant of $80,000 from the Canadian Welding Bureau.

The welding program complements the existing Taking Responsibility and Developing Employable Skills (TRADES) program where youth at Sprucedale Youth Centre can access a range of skilled trade occupations and earn industry standard certification in a variety of industry pre-requisite programs.