(The Ontario Newcomer Trades Action Project trains and connects newcomers to jobs through the partnership of the YMCA/YWCA Ottawa Region and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Photo: YMCA/YWCA.)
Through free, virtual workshops, newcomers will receive the training and job connections needed to enter rewarding careers as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, welders, chefs and other in-demand trades. The YMCA/YWCA of the Ottawa Region have partnered with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to form the Ontario Newcomer Trades Action Project (ONTAP). The project has received funding of $900,000 to train and connect 900 new immigrants across the province for a better future.
Organized by the YMCA/YWCA, tailored workshops are being provided to newcomers across Ontario cities. Sessions will continue until the end of February 2022 and participants can access their online workshop on any electronic device.
Through the workshops, newcomers will learn how to find an apprenticeship, what employers look for when hiring and how to get a Trades Equivalency Assessment. In addition, with the support of the Ontario government, outreach workers are being hired by the YMCA/YWCA to promote connections between newcomers, employers, and local employment service centres. These additional resources will allow them to better connect local job seekers to in-demand careers in the skilled trades.
On hand for the announcement made by Minister Monte McNaughton, were Goldie Ghamarie, MPP Carleton and Jeremy Roberts, MPP Ottawa West-Nepean. “Across the province, we continue to hear from businesses in the skilled trades who can’t find the workers they need to grow,” said Minister McNaughton. “These are bigger paycheques waiting for hardworking people to collect them. This program will connect newcomers with the training and support they need to fill these good local jobs and build better communities.”
“There is a growing demand for skilled and trade workers in Ontario.” Goldie Ghamari, MPP for Carleton, told Stittsville Central. “Training new immigrants in skilled trades like welding, carpentry and mechanics creates opportunities for newcomers to fill the need in the skilled job market. This funding will go a long way in supporting the YMCA/YWCA in this initiative.”
“We are thrilled to be leading the Ontario Newcomer Trades Action Project in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development,” said Bob Gallagher, President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA-YWCA in the National Capital Region. “By scaling this project to five Y’s across the Province, and targeting three main stakeholder groups – employers in the sector, service providers, and newcomers – we will improve access to apprenticeship training and employment across Ontario.”
This funding is part of Ontario’s over $200 million investment in the Skills Development Fund, an initiative to address challenges employers face in hiring, training and retraining workers and apprentices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Register for the information sessions by emailing ontap@ymcaywca.ca or calling 613-788-5001.