Ontario Government Reports Increased Apprenticeship

The McGuinty government has introduced 25 new apprenticeship programs since 2003.

The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Education recently announced that there are more than 120,000 apprentices currently honing their trade today, a jump of almost 60,000 from the numbers in 2002-03.

The McGuinty government has introduced 25 new apprenticeship programs since 2003. Most recently they introduced a new apprenticeship in January for residential (low-rise) sheet metal installers, which certifies workers to install duct work in homes.

The government has attempted to spark job-growth by gearing their training programs to meet industry needs. The new apprenticeships are based on the government’s input from employers, trainers, and skilled workers.

Earlier this month, The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum-Forum canadien sur l’apprentissage (CAF-FCA) released data that showed a post-secondary education combined with an apprenticeship can lead to a better salary and more job satisfaction.

Their report showed that the employment rate among apprenticeship completers is 89 per cent, only 76 per cent for technical/applied program completers or near-completers and 69 per cent for trades program completers or near-completers.

Some of the new apprenticeships that have been recently created include:

• Chef
• Die designer
• Entertainment industry power technician
• Exterior insulated finishing systems mechanic
• Special events coordinator
• Utility arborist