Includes better incentives for employers to train, retain apprentices
Ontario is looking to ensure the apprenticeship system meets the changing demands of the economy by giving apprentices the skills they need to succeed, and providing employers with the talent they need to thrive.
The goal is to develop a system that provides end-to-end supports for apprentices and employers, and responds to the needs of a changing economy and workforce, said the government.
The multi-year strategy will:
- create better incentives for employers to train and retain apprentices by transforming the existing Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit into the Graduated Apprenticeship Grant for Employers
- promote apprenticeship as a valuable post-secondary pathway and help individuals make informed decisions about their career options by providing information about different careers leading from an apprenticeship through Ontario's labour market website
- update the apprenticeship system through digital enhancements, including a simplified online registration process
- develop recommendations on how to ensure students in the K-12 system are prepared for, exposed to and aware of career opportunities in the skilled trades
- enhance services that support apprentices to begin and complete their training, including increasing the participation of young people and underrepresented groups in the skilled trades.
"Working in the skilled trades is an empowering, rewarding experience — so we want to make sure every person who wants to become a tradesperson has the support to do so. This strategy is client-focused, and begins to move us towards a pathway that will increase the successful completions of apprenticeships,” said George Gritziotis, CEO and registrar of the Ontario College of Trades.
