Burlington, ON — Ontario is expanding apprenticeship support for tradespeople looking to try their hand as boilermakers. Two projects have been announced by the Ontario government that will support free programs for 1,350 participants, according to the provincial government.
A total of $535,000 will be invested in increasing the number of apprentices within the boilermakers sector. “Ontario is facing the largest labour shortage in a generation, and our government is on a mission to help workers train for the well-paying jobs we know are available,” said Monte McNaughton, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development. “We will continue to invest in innovative training programs and ground-breaking infrastructure to prepare jobseekers in every corner of our province for the future of work.”
Led by the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 128, the first project is set to give 1,200 high school students hands-on experience in welding, cutting and rigging work and the opportunity to pursue apprenticeships in the trade. It will prioritize women, Indigenous people and others in rural Northern Ontario communities interested in learning about a career in the skilled trades.
The second project will provide free lodging, travel and food for 150 new job seekers from around the province as they begin introductory apprenticeship training. Participants will complete coursework covering rigging, working at heights and construction safety, as they prepare to become boilermaker apprentices.
Funding for these projects comes as part of the Skills Development Fund, which supports programs that connect job seekers with the skills and training needed to find well-paying careers.