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Strengthening Pre-Apprenticeship Training To Support Economic Growth
NIAGARA FALLS, ON, Jan. 17 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is creating
more than 700 pre-apprenticeship spaces across Ontario to help people qualify
for skilled trades training, Chris Bentley, Minister of Training, Colleges and
Universities, announced today.
"In today's economy, knowledge plus skills equals prosperity. By
expanding access to pre-apprenticeships we are opening doors for people to
learn a skilled trade," Bentley said. "An apprenticeship enables a person to
acquire skills for life that can lead to a well-paying, satisfying career."
This year, Ontario is investing $7 million in 38 new projects that will
prepare people who want to become apprentices for training in specific skilled
trades. It includes projects for youth, Aboriginal peoples, women and under-
represented groups.
"I am pleased that Niagara College will be offering 37 new pre-
apprenticeship positions with this funding," said Niagara Falls MPP Kim
Craitor. "The skilled trades offer excellent career opportunities for people.
They also ensure our economy in Niagara, and the province generally, has the
trained workforce employers need to succeed."
"The announcement today is a marvellous example of government, education
and industry working together in partnership to create employment
opportunities for people, and to address the need for skilled workers in
specific sectors that are vital to our local economy," said Dan Patterson,
president of Niagara College.
Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs enable individuals to strengthen
their skills through academic upgrading, work placements and employment
preparation courses.
Ontario has the largest apprenticeship training system in Canada.
Apprenticeship training will be a key feature of Ontario's new One-Stop
Training and Employment System, a seamless and co-ordinated training network.
"Our commitment to apprenticeship training includes increasing the number
of new apprenticeship registrations by 7,000 to a total of 26,000 annually in
2007-08," said Bentley.
Disponible en français
www.edu.gov.on.ca
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca
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For further information: Jennifer Norman, Minister's Office, (416) 326-1615; Tanya Blazina, Communications Branch, (416) 325-2746; Public Inquiries: (416) 325-2929 or 1-800-387-5514; JOBGROW hotline: 1-888-JOBGROW; TTY: 1-800-263-2892
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