The Ontario government is investing more than $6 million in skilled trades training and apprenticeship infrastructure across Hamilton, funding eight local organizations as the province looks to address growing labour demand in construction, manufacturing and other industrial sectors.
The funding is expected to help nearly 200 jobseekers access training for in-demand careers while upgrading facilities and equipment used by apprentices. The investments are being delivered through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program, Apprenticeship Capital Grant and Skills Development Fund Capital Stream.
“Creating more opportunity in the skilled trades starts with giving workers the training and experience employers are looking for,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through these investments, we’re helping more workers in Hamilton transition into good-paying careers, supporting employers facing economic pressures and strengthening the industries that will drive Ontario’s future prosperity. ”
Mohawk College Receives Largest Share of Hamilton Trades Funding
Mohawk College will receive more than $2.6 million across several initiatives. That includes $1.89 million to modernize electrical, carpentry, automotive and millwright training at its Stoney Creek campus.
Another $483,252 will fund new electrical training equipment, while $265,699 will support pre-apprenticeship training for 15 sheet metal workers, including hands-on instruction, certifications and paid work placements.
“Continued investment in skilled trades training allows Mohawk College to enhance the equipment and facilities that support hands-on learning across a wide range of programs, from automotive and truck and coach, to carpentry, refrigeration and welding. Keeping our training environments current with industry needs strengthens the student experience, supports learners throughout their journey into the trades and helps ensure the employers have access to graduates who are prepared to contribute from day one. Skilled trades training is a priority for Mohawk and we appreciate the Ontario government’s continued support,” said Dr. Cebert Adamson, Vice President Academic at Mohawk College.
YWCA Hamilton, Ironworkers and YMCA Secure Funding
YWCA Hamilton will receive $1.85 million to train 54 participants, primarily women and youth, for automotive service technician, autobody and welding careers.
Ironworkers Local 736 is receiving more than $948,000 to construct a new 7,000-square-foot training facility and purchase equipment, including overhead cranes. The project is expected to support another 75 trainees over five years.
The YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford will receive $330,345 for a Truck and Coach Technician program serving 20 participants, primarily youth.
The John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington and Area is receiving $321,930 to provide machinist and millwright training to 15 participants, with an emphasis on people facing employment barriers.
Ontario Targets Growing Demand for Skilled Trades Workers
Smaller capital investments will support specialized trades training. United Association 67 Technical Trades Academy will receive $59,263 for upgraded welding equipment, while the Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program will receive $59,083 for tools and digital and hands-on training equipment.
The Finishing Trades Institute of Ontario is receiving $52,511 for an industrial sandblaster that will allow apprentices to gain practical experience in surface preparation, contaminant removal and protective coating applications.
“Amid global economic uncertainty, Ontario’s colleges are strengthening our homegrown pipeline of skilled trades workers that build and protect Ontario,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through these investments, our government is ensuring that apprentices have access to the hands-on training and modern equipment they need to get good-paying jobs in Hamilton’s booming skilled trades sectors.”
Province Forecasts More Than 400,000 Skilled Trades Openings
Ontario currently has more than 94,000 active apprentices registered across the skilled trades, which the province says is the highest level in more than a decade.
Over the next decade, Ontario expects more than 400,000 job openings in skilled trades-related occupations due to retirements and employment growth. By 2034, approximately one in six job openings in the province is projected to be connected to skilled trades.
Specific labour requirements include an estimated 7,300 millwrights, 800 ironworkers, 7,700 electricians and 6,400 welders over the coming decade.
“This provincial investment will help nearly 200 jobseekers in the Hamilton area access the hands-on training, safety certifications, work placements and modern learning environments needed to begin rewarding careers in the skilled trades. By strengthening local training capacity and creating clearer pathways into apprenticeship, these initiatives will help develop the skilled workforce employers and communities need. Skilled Trades Ontario is proud to support participants as they take the next step toward certification,” said Candice White, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar, Skilled Trades Ontario.
The Hamilton investments form part of Ontario’s broader workforce and infrastructure strategy. The province says its $236-billion capital plan will support construction of transportation networks, hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure while increasing demand for workers with specialized trade qualifications.