Ontario Launching New Agency to Better Serve Tradespeople

Skilled Trades

The Ontario government has launched Skilled Trades Ontario, a new Crown agency, to improve trades training and simplify services. The new agency will promote and market the trades, develop the latest training and curriculum standards, and provide a streamlined user-friendly experience for tradespeople. These changes will result in more workers for in-demand jobs and prepare […]

Ontario Helping People Start Careers in Home-Building

Construction

The Ontario government is investing almost $3 million to give 166 jobseekers free training and work experience in residential construction across the province. The Job-Ready Program, led by the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA), will connect trainees with rewarding and well-paying careers in carpentry, drywall installation, cement working, framing, and heavy equipment operation. This announcement […]

Enrolment at Georgian College’s Midland trade campus skyrockets

georgian college logo 2017

As of mid-July, the Georgian College Midland campus had more students enrolled in its one-year skilled trades programs than ever before. “Our numbers for September are higher than they have ever been,” said Mac Greaves, associate dean and campus principal. “We are up 40 per cent over 2019.” In 2019, the Midland campus had 123 […]

New economic impact report shows Georgian College alumni add $1.4 billion to regional economy

georgian college logo 2017

Georgian alumni contribute $1.4 billion in added income to the region, according to a recent economic impact study by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). The EMSI study, based on data from 2019-20, shows that Georgian’s Robbert Hartog Midland Campus adds $27.4 million in income to the Simcoe County economy, and supports 358 county jobs. Overall, […]

Georgian College’s Midland campus offering free pre-apprenticeship program this spring

georgian college logo 2017

Those looking to gain skills for entry into the skilled trades can start building an in-demand career with Georgian College’s free industrial mechanic millwright, welder, industrial electrician, and plumbing pre-apprenticeship program at the Midland campus. The 32-week program starts May 3 and includes a 12-week work placement. Midland campus associate dean Mac Greaves said pre-apprenticeship […]

Ontario Setting Up Apprentices and Employers for Success

Government of Ontario

The Ontario government is investing $47 million in 2021-22 to hire more apprentices, improve the quality of training and help them complete their training and certification through the new Achievement Incentive Program and the expanded Apprenticeship Capital Grant. These programs are designed to support those who train apprentices, such as businesses, colleges and other training organizations, providing more young people with high quality training that will lead to successful […]

Simcoe Muskoka Virtual Skilled Trades Expo 2021

Skilled Trades Expo 2021

The 2021 Simcoe Muskoka Virtual Skilled Trades Expo is planned for mid-May this year. Given the current safety restrictions due to COVID-19, this year’s expo will be virtual, in the form of a “local and loud” online scavenger hunt. There is no entry fee to participate; we just ask that you provide us with content to […]

Regional partners launch Automation Accelerator pilot program

Automation Accelerator Program

Area partners are excited to launch the Automation Accelerator pilot program to create a responsive, industry-driven solution that provides regional manufacturers with training and knowledge to implement Industry 4.0 solutions. The pilot project is supported by the County of Simcoe, member municipalities, the Cities of Barrie and Orillia, Georgian College, Lakehead University and the Government of […]

Funding a ‘tremendous step forward’ for skilled trades: Dunlop

Government of Ontario

The Ontario government is providing $180.5 million to connect workers in the tourism and hospitality sector and others most affected by the pandemic to training and jobs. Part of Ontario’s Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover, this investment includes a skilled trades strategy, an additional $100 million of dedicated investments through Employment Ontario for skills training, […]

RapidSkills: Supporting workers in a changing economy

georgian college logo 2017

Georgian College, in partnership with the Government of Ontario, is proud to introduce the RapidSkills program. The RapidSkills program consists of four microcredentials, which are short-term, competency-based, industry-recognized certifications. It aims to prepare underutilized or underemployed workers, workers at risk of job loss, and unemployed individuals for longevity in the auto and advanced manufacturing sectors, […]