In an effort to tackle the labor shortage in skilled trades, the Ontario government has announced a series of new policy and legislative measures aimed at encouraging more young people to pursue careers as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other trades. The announcement was made in Brampton by David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
The Ontario government is set to introduce a new apprenticeship pathway known as the Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training (FAST) program. This initiative targets students in Grades 11 and 12, allowing them to acquire apprenticeship experience through additional co-operative education credits while completing their high school education. Graduates of this program will receive a special seal on their Ontario Secondary School Diploma to signify their successful completion and dedication to skilled trades learning.
In addition to the FAST program, Ontario is launching an online job-matching portal designed to make it easier for potential apprentices, journeypersons, and employers to connect and share opportunities. This digital platform aims to streamline the process of finding and beginning apprenticeship opportunities, addressing the current lack of a dedicated provincial system for matching apprentices with employers.
The proposed legislative changes seek to reduce barriers to apprenticeship training, especially for workers who may have significant professional experience but do not meet the academic entry requirements typically necessary to register as an apprentice. These measures will provide alternative pathways for those considering skilled trades as a second career, based on criteria such as years out of high school and history of work experience.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce also emphasized the government’s efforts to enhance focus on education by restricting cell phones and social media use in schools and banning vaping. Starting this September, all high school students will be required to take at least one Technological Education course, further supporting the entry into skilled trades.
The community response has been positive, with Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown expressing support for these initiatives. “Making it easier for Ontario students and adults to find apprenticeship opportunities and creating more mentorship opportunities for women is welcome news for Brampton,” said Mayor Brown. “We are a city with a talented workforce focused on building our community and positioning our city for success.”
These new measures are part of Ontario’s broader Skilled Trades Strategy, which has already invested over $1.5 billion in the skilled trades since 2020. With these enhancements, the Ontario government continues to build a robust workforce that is vital for the province’s economic prosperity and infrastructure development.