Support Ontario Youth (SOY) is proud to announce their Skilled Trades Workforce Development Program. This initiative is designed to equip individuals with the skills and pathways needed for a successful journey into the skilled trades.

Backed by steadfast support from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, this program underscores SOY’s commitment to preparing the next generation of tradespeople for seamless integration into the industry.

Through tailored services aimed at enhancing their skills, SOY ensures they are well-equipped for success.

Melanie Winter, Executive Director of Support Ontario Youth, expressed her enthusiasm for the program’s impact: “Our Skilled Trades Workforce Development program, and particularly our Tools in the Trades Boot Camp, play a critical role in preparing the next generation of tradespeople. We are committed to providing high-quality training and support to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in Ontario.”

The Skilled Trades Workforce Development Program includes several components.

Tools in the Trades Boot Camp

Offering hands-on tool experiences across multiple trades, pathways to apprenticeship, free training programs, a complimentary starter tool kit, and support for various sectors, including Construction, Industrial, and Motive Power. Participants gain practical skills and confidence through hands-on tool experiences and industry-specific employability skills, including opportunities to connect with a range of employers looking to hire, making it an essential step for those pursuing a career in the trades.

“To build a stronger Ontario, we need to help youth find meaningful and well-paying jobs,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“I am proud to invest in programs like Support Ontario Youth’s Skilled Trades Workforce Development Program, which will give more young people the training they need to earn bigger paycheques for themselves and their families”

Eligibility: This program is open to individuals aged 18+ and recent high school graduates interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades.

Trades Readiness Training

Designed for both individuals embarking on their apprenticeship journey and those already pursuing a career in the trades. Based on individuals’ current needs, services may include essential employability and networking skills, trades readiness preparation, mentorship, health and safety training, product knowledge, and insights into the realities of entering the apprenticeship pathway, ensuring a tailored approach to each journey.

Additionally, it provides opportunities for current sector workers to upskill and advance their careers. Through mentorship and specialized training, individuals gain the guidance and skills needed to excel in their chosen trade, from mastering safety protocols to developing crucial workplace competencies.

Eligibility: This program is open to individuals aged 18+ and recent high school graduates interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades and current skilled sector workers looking to upskill and advance.

Employers are encouraged to participate in SOY’s Skilled Trades Workforce Development Program to recruit skilled trades candidates. The expertise of an employer is essential to the apprenticeship journey. Invest in the future by hiring program participants, who are eager and ready to contribute from day one. Enhance your business while supporting the next generation of tradespeople.

Support Ontario Youth is dedicated to fostering a robust skilled trades workforce by providing opportunities and support for aspiring tradespeople and employers alike. By investing in the future of skilled trades, SOY is helping to build a stronger, more skilled workforce for Ontario’s industries.

This Employment Ontario Program is funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

For more information, visit www.toolsinthetrades.ca or contact the Boot Camp team at employer@supportontarioyouth.ca.