The Achievement Incentive Program is the new initiative introduced by Monte McNaughton, the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. He announced this boost to the existing Apprenticeship Capital Grant on March 5th. These programs intend to support those organizations, businesses and colleges that provide additional training to young people.
Ontario Construction News reports that this training will lead these apprentices to their careers. And one such career is in the construction industry, where over 3,000 construction employers are eligible for payments under the province's $23 million Achievement Incentive Program - and there are over 8,607 eligible payments due to apprentices achieving various levels of training/certification.
So far, the data provided indicates that by far the greatest number of apprentices covered under the initiative are electricians.
Almost half of the total number of employers - 1,503 of 3,032 - are employing apprentices in the "Electrician - Construction and Maintenance" category. The next biggest group are plumbers (559 unique employers) followed by general carpenters (430 employers) and refrigeration and air conditioning service mechanics (241 employers).
According to the government, the Achievement Incentive Program will cover a total of 11,000 employers, including the construction sector. This means they will receive $4,000 per apprentice upon the completion of training.
So far, 3,089 payments have been dedicated to construction employers. Mr. McNaughton stated that there is a chance that an apprentice who has completed multiple milestones and the employer/sponsor would be eligible for multiple payments.
The total of $47 million allotted to these incentive programs actually comes in two parts:
- The first $21 million will go to the Achievement Incentive in 2020-2021.
- In 2021-2022, the spending will rise to $23.1 million.
In addition, the government has decided to direct $24 million for the Apprenticeship Capital Grant, which helps colleges, unions, and other apprentice training providers. This amount is higher than the last year's investment by $10 million. Let's remember that this money is intended to go to equipment and facility upgrades. As a result, the new apprentices should enjoy more state-of-the-art equipment and materials during their training. All of that will ultimately lead to better-trained professions and truly skilled workers which the construction industry really has a shortage of.
"In 2016, almost one in three journeypersons were aged 55 years or older. Prior to COVID-19, projections suggested over the next eight years Ontario's construction sector will need about 22,000 additional skilled trades workers to address anticipated shortages. Our aim is for this program to help fill the shortages for good, well-paying jobs we know are available. Having more apprentices complete their training will help build a skilled workforce and a stronger economy."
Minister of Labour, Training & Skills Development | Monte McNaughton
Therefore, if you are reading this text because you are considering the opportunity to enroll in one of the training programs on offer, this is the right time. If you should need some assistance for relocation, contact the crew from Movers Toronto to help you look into different options. All in all, you are making the right decision and making a wise investment into your future.
For more information on this program and how to apply, go to News Ontario.
Minister McNaughton stated that this investment is crucial for the country. These apprentices will play a critical role in constructing highways, hospitals, and homes. Therefore, the government's support for the development of such training programs will have far-reaching benefits. Essentially, these programs will help create a skilled workforce. Moreover, it will provide the younger generations with a chance to get good jobs.
Editor's note: This is, indeed, a confusing time for the construction industry. DataBid is working tirelessly to report and distill the news that can help you and your company make the right decisions and keep you up to date on the constant changes as they are made. We hope our coverage brings some clarity amid all the confusion.
