THUNDER BAY, ONT. — The Province of Ontario is investing more than $4 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to help nearly 500 people in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas find jobs in the construction, industrial, mining and transportation sectors.
Premier Doug Ford was recently joined by members of IBEW Local 402 in Thunder Bay, which is receiving $805,182 to train aspiring electricians through in-class and on-the-job training, with a focus on the industrial and mining sectors in northwestern Ontario, states a release. Participants will be offered apprenticeships upon successful completion of the program.
Through the SDF, the Ontario government is also partnering with five other organizations in the region:
- LIUNA Local 607 is receiving $920,825 to train more women for in-demand jobs in the construction industry. Workers will receive training on core technical skills for residential construction.
- The Keewaytinook Okimakanak Board of Education is receiving $863,460 to provide Red Seal carpentry apprenticeships and heavy-duty equipment technician training to Indigenous participants across six remote First Nations communities.
- Ironworkers Local 759 is receiving $530,755 to deliver hands-on welding training to the Ironworker’s union.
- Millwright Local 1151 is receiving $186,130 to train workers in the industrial and construction sectors with certifications like Working at Heights.
- Behind the Wheel is receiving $960,190 to provide participants, including Indigenous people and youth, with ministry-approved driver education (G1, G2, G) through in-person, virtual and simulator training.
