Investing in training and job opportunities in Durham Region

Investing in Training and Job Opportunities in Durham Region
Province supporting new local training partnerships to help more people find jobs

OSHAWA, ON — Ontario is investing $1,278,770 to help people in Durham Region train for good jobs in the automotive, transportation and construction sectors.

“We are investing in local placements and apprenticeships because we know there will continue to be a high demand for workers in the skilled trades in Durham,” said Durham MPP Lindsey Park, “This will help job-seekers gain the on-the-job experience that is critical to their success.”

The investments announced today in Durham Region are:

• A $757,143-investment in an Ontario Tech University collaboration with Loyalist College and Durham College to aid student placement in the auto sector. The institutions will together form a steering committee to oversee the development of an interconnected network that can bring together industry partners and students to help them to find placement.
• A $399,780-investment in the Ontario Truck Training Academy’s Driving Success – Commercial Driver Training program. The program aims to determine employer-specific skill requirements, to implement and improve mentorship programs with employers, identify gaps and improve school training programs, and will work to attract unemployed, underemployed, women and youth candidates to the program, among other objectives.
• A $121,847-investment to develop and implement Jobsite Readiness Microcredentials at Durham College. This program will prepare underrepresented individuals (primarily unemployed youth) in Durham Region for success in entry-level jobs in the construction industry.

“It is critical that businesses within the Region of Durham remain competitive. This requires having workers equipped with the skills and training to support a healthy and competitive economy. That is why I, along with my Durham colleagues, will continue to work closely with experts from the education, training and labour sectors, as well as employers to ensure that the Region of Durham has the talent to prosper today, and in the future,” said Lorne Coe, MPP Whitby.

Province-wide, the government is investing $37 million in 86 projects to help thousands of job seekers get the skills they need to become job ready. Local training is provided by university, college, community and industry organizations.

“By investing in the programs announced today, we are ensuring well-paying jobs and opportunities stay in Pickering-Uxbridge and across Durham Region,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “This comes at a time when creating jobs, removing barriers to investments and economic growth is needed most.”

“Our government is providing opportunities for thousands of people to upgrade their skills and train for new jobs, and making it easier to build a rewarding and life-changing career in the skilled trades,” said Rod Phillips, MPP for Ajax. “Investments like these are vital to getting people back to work in the trades right here in Durham Region.”

“As we reopen our economy, training and retraining are essential,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “People need jobs. More businesses need skilled workers. Projects like the ones we’re supporting in Durham Region will help bring them together.”

QUOTES

“The Career Ready Auto Fund directly connects to one of Ontario Tech’s founding principles to provide students with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that ensure our graduates are work-place ready, and most importantly, they are prepared to make a significant impact in their careers. Along with our partners Durham College and Loyalist College we will secure new opportunities that benefit both our students and the sector.” – Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University

“Alongside our project partners at Ontario Technical University and Durham College, we are proud to deliver the Career Ready Fund’s Auto Stream. This excellent initiative by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development will strengthen Ontario’s competitive advantage globally by connecting next generation talent with the automotive manufacturing jobs of tomorrow. Our students, recent graduates and apprentices will benefit from expanded work-integrated learning opportunities, and automotive sector employers who host these student placements will benefit from improved access to highly skilled local labour.” – Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, President, Loyalist College

“Ontario Truck Training Academy is a premiere, award winning truck training academy with 5 strategic locations across Ontario. Commercial Drivers provide essential transportation services and it was specifically brought to light during the pandemic. As Ontario Truck Training Academy is an Excellent Safety Rated Facility, we are delighted to carve out a strategic pathway for entry level drivers and quality employers who require commercial license drivers through Skills Catalyst Fund.” – Yvette Lagrois, President of Ontario Truck Training Academy

“The Construction Jobsite Readiness program, offered through Durham College’s Professional and Part-time Learning, is specifically tailored to unemployed youth in Durham Region who may not have completed high-school. It rapidly prepares them for entry-level jobs in the field, giving them access to new employment opportunities while also meeting the demand for labour within the industry. This initiative will lead to greater economic prosperity by supporting the region’s youth and helping reduce the unemployment rate while bolstering construction and development. DC is thrilled to receive this funding from the Province, as it allows us to continue to lead the way in helping our community get the right skills for rewarding careers.” – Debbie Johnston, Dean, Centre for Professional and Part-time Learning, Durham College

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Media Contacts
Aleem Sufi
Office of Peter Bethlenfalvy
MPP, Pickering – Uxbridge
aleem.sufi@pc.ola.ca
905- 509-0336

Kristen Cucan
Office of Lindsey Park
MPP, Durham
kristen.cucan@pc.ola.org
905-697-1501

Shannon Weir
Office of Lorne Coe
MPP, Whitby
lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org
289-356-0941

Dawn Matthew
Office of Rod Phillips
MPP, Ajax
rod.phillipsco@pc.ola.org
905-427-2060