Funding supports hands-on training helping people prepare for careers in childhood development education
KENORA — The Ontario government is investing $686,000 to support pre-apprenticeship training through Ksalsuti Wellness Resources Inc., helping more people in Kenora gain the skills, experience and certifications they need to start careers in the skilled trades. The funding is part of the government’s investment in pre-apprenticeship training programs that provide pathways into apprenticeship and in-demand jobs.
“Equipping Indigenous youth with trade-specific skills and certifications, Ksalsuti Wellness Resources’ Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program is preparing the next generation of skilled apprentices across Treaty #3,” said Greg Rickford, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora-Rainy River. “Investing in pre-apprenticeship training, our government is removing barriers for Indigenous youth to pursue careers as early childhood educators, child and youth workers and development practitioners.”
Pre-apprenticeship training projects help participants build foundational skills, gain hands-on experience and earn safety certifications. These programs also support people facing barriers to employment by offering job readiness training, mentorship and connections to employers.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is proud to invest in programs that provide pathways into Ontario’s apprenticeship system,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “At a time when many people are looking for stability and opportunity, these investments are helping more people train for rewarding, in-demand careers close to home, while ensuring employers can find the skilled workers they need to fill critical labour gaps.”
“Families in Kenora – Rainy River deserve confidence that when their child walks into a classroom or care setting, there is a skilled, trained professional ready to support them. This investment will help 45 Indigenous peoples and youth build meaningful careers as Educational Assistants, Aboriginal Child Development Practitioners, Child Development Practitioners, and Child and Youth Workers. These are critical, in-demand roles that help children succeed and keep Northern communities strong.”
The training will run for 42 weeks and will have three cohorts of participants in Kenora. This will help them transition into apprenticeship training or employment in the skilled trades in the North and across Ontario.
Ontario continues to take action to protect workers, businesses and communities by investing in skills training that responds to labour market needs. This investment will continue to develop our world class workforce, connect employers to skilled workers, support economic growth and build a stronger, more competitive and resilient Ontario.
Quick Facts
- There are 144 skilled trades in Ontario.
- Ontario will need an additional 400,000 skilled trades workers over the next decade to meet demand for housing, infrastructure, transit, energy and industrial projects.
- One in six jobs in Ontario is expected to be in the skilled trades by 2034, underscoring the need to continue growing apprenticeship pathways and training capacity.
- The Pre-Apprenticeship Training program is supported by labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
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