Skills Ontario announced it is driving ahead with the creation of new mobile learning units thanks to new funding from the provincial government.
Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development announced $5.4 million in funding for the Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Truck/Trailer program. This funding will go to the creation of three 12-metre-long Trades & Tech trailers. These mobile units will travel across Ontario to bring hands-on, experiential learning opportunities to youth to explore careers in the skilled trades and technologies. The new mobile units aim to be on the road by the summer of 2024.
The announcement took place at the UA Training Centre during a Skills Ontario Tools for Success Event with the Honourable Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development. Also at the announcement was Vince Kacaba, Director of Training for U.A. Local 46.
“Skills Ontario believes in creating opportunities for all youth to explore careers within the skilled trades and technologies, which is why we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our Trades & Tech Mobile program,” said Ian Howcroft, CEO Skills Ontario.
“Since rolling out our first mobile classroom in 2022, the Trades & Tech truck has provided thousands of students with hands-on learning experiences, igniting an awareness of opportunities in the skilled trades and technologies, and driving more youth to pursue these careers. We want to thank and recognize Minister McNaughton, Premier Ford, and the Ontario government for the leadership and investments they have provided to build the skilled workforce of tomorrow.”
Officially launching on April 28, 2022, the Trades & Tech Truck is equipped with activities and simulators focusing on the following skilled trade sectors and industry: construction, industrial, automotive, and technology. These activities include welding, electrical work, heavy machinery, pneumatics, fire alarm systems, tool exploration, virtual auto painting and tire and brake work. Since 2022, the Trades & Tech Truck has reached over 45,000 people through school visits, conferences and other events.
“By 2025, one in five jobs in Ontario will be in the skilled trades. These are rewarding, well-paying careers that you can build a family and a life around,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “That’s why our government will continue to invest in cutting-edge programs that give students the chance to experience the 144 trades and life-changing opportunities available to them.”
Featured image: (Skills Ontario)
