Monday, March 6, 2023

CLAC Urges Ontario Government to Continue Funding Skills Development

In its prebudget submission to the Ontario government in February 2023, CLAC recommended the continued funding of beneficial and helpful skills development fund (SDF). Ongoing SDF funding is still needed to build on the successes already achieved in addressing Ontario’s shortage of skilled trades workers and gaps in construction supervisor training.

The SDF initiative has enabled CLAC to develop three programs aimed at equipping construction supervisors and workers.

Supervisor Micro Certification program – This a modularized leadership program empowers and equips construction supervisors with the skills to be people-centric team leaders rather than simply task-focused managers. To date, some 343 Ontario supervisors have enrolled in this program.
Construction Bootcamp program – This program aims to equip entry-level construction labourers and provide them with career opportunities throughout southwestern Ontario. The program has realized a 96 percent completion rate. To build on its success to date, the program will require additional funding in 2023-2024.
Group Sponsorship program – This program provides apprentice pathway services to both apprentices and employers. Services include recruitment, intake assessment and registration, transition between employment placements, progression support, and completion support.

Based on Ontario’s need for skilled trades workers and CLAC’s extensive skills training experience, CLAC recommended that the government continue the SDF program.

CLAC Urges Ontario Government to Continue Funding Skills Development

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