Ontario Helping Youth Get Training and Land Jobs in Peterborough & the Kawarthas
Government investing $435,210 to help 75 people gain the skills needed to work in aviation and construction
Peterborough— The Ontario government is investing $435,210 through the Skills Development Training Stream to train 75 workers in Peterborough & the Kawarthas for in-demand careers in aviation and construction. This brings Ontario’s total investment in skills development training through SDF to nearly $1.1 billion.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is proud to invest in programs that support training and upskilling,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “This project will give people the necessary skills needed to land in-demand and well-paying jobs in their communities and contribute to our province.”
In partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED), the Build & Soar program will increase the demand for talent in construction and aviation industries. By providing experiential learning opportunities as well as identifying local job opportunities, students can consider diverse, in-demand jobs the community provides.
The Build & Soar program matches students from the Construction and Aerospace & Aviation Specialist High Skills Majors programs (SHSM) at Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) and the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) with local employers in the construction, aerospace and aviation industry. This consists of an 8-week placement with a local employer for on-the-job experience working and developing the skills learned in the SHSM programs. It will also provide the opportunity for students to learn about flight training through the use of flight simulators for students pursuing a career in the military or commercial pilot pathways.
“Ontario’s trades are vital to the growth of the economy and our government’s ‘Plan to Build’ offering careers that lead to secure jobs and a good quality life,” said Dave Smith MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “Which is why having programs like the Build & Soar will set them on the path to success” MPP Smith added.
The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is open to a wide range of applicants, including employers, industry associations, labour unions, municipalities, hospitals and many more. The funding announced today builds on the government’s mission to make Ontario the best place in the world to work, live and raise a family.
“Introducing youth to local employment opportunities is crucial, as it not only equips them with real-life work experience but also strengthens the community’s economic fabric,” said Rhonda Keenan, President & CEO of PKED. “Local companies play a pivotal role in this process, offering invaluable mentorship and skill-building opportunities while simultaneously tapping into and nurturing the future workforce. By investing in young talent, these businesses contribute to a cycle of growth and innovation that benefits both the students and the broader community.”
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect more than half a million jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying and fulfilling careers close to home.
Quick Facts
- So far, the Skills Development Fund Training Stream has supported over 700 training projects across the province.
- More than 420,000 of these participants are expected to be from an underrepresented group such as women, youth, persons with disabilities, racialized groups and Indigenous peoples.
- Nearly 219,000 jobs are going unfilled across the province.
- People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
- The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
- As announced in the 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario, the Ontario government is investing an additional $100 million through SDF to grow the trades workforce and build Ontario, bringing Ontario’s total SDF to over $1 billion.
Additional Resources
MEDIA CONTACTS
Action Centre
705-742-3777
Dave.smithco@pc.ola.org