Ontario is filling a skills gap
From September 30, professionals will have more opportunities to retrain. Those wishing to do so are promised to pay for more than just their education.
Sept. 30 kicks off the second round of funding for the Skills Development Fund was created to support training and skills development initiatives. It funds projects aimed at improving the skills and skills Ontario residents need to get into a job or move up the career ladder. These projects can be initiated by trade unions, employment services, hospitals and other organizations.
A total of 150 projects participated in the first round of funding. 260,000 Ontarians were trained. However, as Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton said, employers are still facing a talent shortage.
Recall that on September 22, the provincial government sent 72 invitations to candidates for immigration. The draw was for professionals with in-demand professions. You can find out more about what kind of workers are needed in Ontario here.
In the second round, the Foundation is going to invest $200 million CAD to support training projects.
This funding will allow greater support for trainees. Organisations participating in the second round of the Fund can now reimburse trainees and employees not only for training, but also for travel and childcare costs. Employers who accept an apprentice with a disability from the Foundation can receive up to $5,000 CAD. Special preference will be given to projects that support school graduates with disabilities.
Such measures are expected to make staff members more resilient to economic changes due to the pandemic.
