Ontario Creates Jobs, Training Programs for the 2015 Games

2015 will be a banner year in Ontario sports history as the province hosts the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games. The games will attract 10,000 athletes and officials and 250,000 visitors – and create more than 26,000 jobs.

If you’re interested in a skilled trade career, the Games may provide a unique opportunity for you to grow your employment potential. As the province builds an infrastructure for the Games, the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program will be expanded to include 200 additional participants.

“A strong skilled trade sector is crucial to Ontario’s long-term economic prosperity,” said Brad Duguid, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. “Expanding the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program will help 200 additional people get invaluable work experience while leaving a legacy of new and improved Ontario sport and recreation facilities for generations to come.”

About the Program

The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program helps potential entrants develop job skills and trade readiness so they’re prepared to find work as apprentices. The program lasts up to 52 weeks and may include Level 1 in-school training, safety training and/or work placement lasting from eight to 12 weeks.

  • There is no cost to participate, and textbooks, safety equipment and tools are included.
  • The program is open to high school graduates, early school leavers, unemployed and underemployed youths and adults, those who are EI and non-EI eligible, Aboriginal peoples, francophones and newcomers to Canada.
  • Opportunities through the program are offered by colleges and universities, approved apprenticeship deliverers and community agencies at various times throughout the year.

Expanding the Program for the Games

As a result of expansion of the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program, trainees will hone their skills and gain valuable experience with organizations contracted to build and support world-class facilities – including an athlete’s village and a stadium – for the Games. Participants will be prepared for jobs in a broad range of trades from carpentry to electrical work.

  • Ontario is investing $3 million over two years to train additional pre-apprentices at Games venue sites. In total, the province is investing more than $11.5 million to train close to 1,100 program participants this year.
  • New pre-apprenticeship program registration grew from 17,000 in 2002-03 to more than 32,000 in 2013-13.

As noted by Minister Michael Chan, “Hosting the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games presents unique opportunities to maximize a number of social and economic benefits and leave a lasting legacy for all in Ontario. The pre-apprenticeship program is one of these opportunities that will allow pre-apprentices to play a role in Canadian sport history as they help build Games infrastructure projects.”

To learn more about opportunities to build your career in the skilled trades, read our related posts or contact the expert staffing team at Employment Professionals Canada today. We would love the opportunity to help you find a great job in Ontario!