The Ontario government is investing $2.7 million to support an innovative project to help 65 electrical workers upgrade their skills and meet the demand for qualified electricians in eastern Ontario.
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Led by KE Electrical, the free program will provide participants with the training needed to progress from labourer to apprentice, apprentice to journeyman, and journeyman to foreman.
This will help electrical workers earn more take-home pay for themselves and their families, while tackling the critical shortage of skilled trades workers the province faces.
“Right across the province, we’re facing historic labour shortages with thousands of jobs going unfilled in skilled trades each and every day,†said Premier Doug Ford. “Programs like these are helping to ensure we have the skilled workforce to build the homes, schools, hospitals and infrastructure projects our growing province needs.â€
Across Ontario, at least 1,600 more electricians are needed– a number projected to grow in the coming years, with one-in-three skilled trades workers aged 55 or over and nearing retirement.
This project will provide new and existing KE Electrical workers with the chance to participate in 8,500 hours of hands-on training focused on learning technical skills and abilities, health and safety, professional development and other critical industry skills.
In addition to helping 65 men and women take the next step in their careers in an in-demand industry, the program will help the province find the electricians needed to help build its historic infrastructure plans.
Training will be delivered at sites throughout eastern Ontario and will be free to all employees, while mileage and other travel expenses will be reimbursed.
The project is funded through the government’s Skills Development Fund, an over $700 million initiative, which supports innovative programs that connect jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying careers close to home. ■