Regional Councillor Rowena Santos of Wards 1 and 5 proudly delivered opening remarks at the recent Support Ontario Youth (SOY) Brampton Bootcamp, held last week in partnership with the City of Brampton’s Economic Development Office, Invest Brampton. The event underscores Brampton’s commitment to fostering skilled trades talent as the third-largest and one of the fastest-growing cities in Ontario, where a robust workforce is essential to building the infrastructure for complete, sustainable communities.
The Brampton Bootcamp, a flagship initiative by Support Ontario Youth, attracted over 80 participants eager to explore careers in high-demand trades such as electricians, millwrights, and HVAC technicians. This transformative event offered hands-on training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and upskilling sessions, connecting aspiring tradespeople with seasoned professionals and potential employers. Designed to address apprenticeship gaps, the Bootcamp provided free training, serving as a critical gateway for participants to enhance their skills and secure pathways to rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
“Brampton’s rapid growth demands a strong pipeline of skilled workers to shape our city’s future,” said Councillor Santos. “Partnering with Support Ontario Youth and Invest Brampton, we’re not just filling gaps—we’re empowering our residents with the tools, training, and connections they need to thrive in trades that build our communities.”
Support Ontario Youth, a leader in trades education, aligns its efforts with Ontario’s Skilled Trades Strategy, aiming to simplify apprenticeship systems, break stigmas, and prepare job-ready workers to replace retiring journeypersons. The Brampton Bootcamp is part of SOY’s broader initiative, backed by nearly $4 million in provincial funding, to deliver 70 one-day bootcamps province-wide, reaching up to 2,100 young people. With participation from over 500 employers and 300 training providers, this program promises lasting impacts on both individual career trajectories and the vitality of Ontario’s trades sector.
Invest Brampton, the city’s economic development arm, played a pivotal role in facilitating the event, reinforcing Brampton’s position as a hub for innovation and opportunity. As the city continues to expand, initiatives like the Bootcamp highlight the collaborative efforts of municipal leaders, community organizations, and industry stakeholders to meet the workforce demands of tomorrow.
