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NEWS RELEASE
Ontario Training Youth in Chatham-Kent for Careers in the Trades
Program will provide young people with a pathway to find life-changing, well-paying jobs
April 14, 2022
CHATHAM-KENT — The Ontario government is working for workers by investing over $200,000 in a free program to help disadvantaged youth in Chatham-Kent train for well-paying careers in the construction trades. In partnership with Family Services Kent and the Prosperity Roundtable, the project will offer 75 young people a three-week introductory training course in hand and power tool use, safety, and woodworking design.
“Our government is on a mission to ensure young people have the skills to find good jobs and build better lives for themselves and their families,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “I am proud to support this project that gives youth in Chatham-Kent hands-on training and a pathway to financial independence and a career they can be proud of.”
This program is open to young people aged 15 to 29 who live in the Chatham-Kent region, including Wallaceburg, Bothwell, Dresden, Thamesville, Blenheim, Ridgetown, and Chatham. Over the course, participants will receive hands-on training needed for work in carpentry, general contracting and construction, and soft skills such as financial literacy and business communication.
“We are honoured that the government has chosen to invest in the Prosperity Roundtable to launch our skilled trades initiative in Chatham-Kent,” said Phillip Mock, Project Coordinator, Prosperity Roundtable. “We are excited that Ontario recognizes the strength of Chatham-Kent and it’s youth and believes just as strongly as we do in the future of the skilled trades and empowering youth in the process.”
Students will also receive a paid stipend for the training course and a tool belt valued at $150. Once training is complete, participants have the option to work as a sub-contractor handyperson for Ambition Trailer, a handyperson social enterprise in Chatham-Kent. Trainees can also connect with local partners who will work with them to map out the next steps in their career.
Quick Facts
– According to the BuildForce Construction & Maintenance Looking Forward, Ontario, 2022-2027 report, the construction industry in Ontario will need to hire about 72,000 workers to replace retiring workers and keep pace with construction employment demands over the next six years.
– Demand for skilled tradespeople in the Chatham-Kent area and across Ontario is growing, based on online job postings in the last six months.
– Construction industry employees in Ontario earned an average hourly wage of $32.07 in 2021.
– Ontario’s Skills Development Fund is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario.
Additional Resources
Media Contacts
Harry Godfrey
Minister’s Office
Ciara Nardelli
Communications Branch