By: Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative, Milton Reporter
The federal government is investing $6.6 million helping Canadians throughout the GTA access the skilled trades. Milton MP Adam van Koeverden made the announcement on behalf of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Minister Carla Qualtrough earlier this week. The investment is part of the COVID-19 economic recovery.
“This investment will help build a pool of qualified tradespeople in Milton, and in communities across the Greater Toronto Area who are ready to take on critical jobs as our economy continues to recover,” van Koeverden said. The money ill go the CWB Welding Foundation headquartered in Milton. The government believes that the money will help groups including women, newcomers, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, as well as Black and racialized Canadians access employment opportunities in the trades.
The program is funded as part of the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) supporting union-based apprenticeship programs. “This investment will help Canadians, including Canadians from key groups facing barriers get the training the need to launch exciting and well-paying careers in the trades, Minister Carla Qualtrough said. It’s part of a larger $470 million announced as part of the 2021 budget over three years to establish a new Apprenticeship Service. This year’s investment is expected to help 55,000 apprentices in eligible first-year red seal trades apprentices find employment opportunities.
The CWB is planning to use the funding to help apprentices at all levels, and address the shortage of pressure welders. “With UTIP’s generous funding, the CWB Group along with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers will enhance the quality of training for our skilled workers. We are so excited and grateful to be representing the industry in such a significant way and look forward to building Red Seal pathways for apprenticeships to aid in Canada’s economic success,” President and CEO, CWB Group Doug Luciani said. The CWB is a not-for-profit organization working to promote awareness of career and education opportunities for welders throughout the industry. To find out more visit their website.
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