Ontario Empowering Youth Through Skilled Trades Training

New welding program launches at Sprucedale Youth Centre

December 13, 2024

Children, Community and Social Services

Table of Contents

  1. Content
  2. Quick Facts
  3. Quotes
  4. Additional Resources
  5. Related Topics

SIMCOE – The Ontario government is launching a new welding training program at the Sprucedale Youth Centre to equip youth with in-demand skills. This new program will be available to youth through collaboration with the Canadian Welding Bureau and will help young people in the justice system reintegrate into their community and reduce the likelihood of re-offending.

“With the right support and intervention, youth in the justice system can get their life on the right track and be positive members of society,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “We are pleased to support this training program to empower more young people with the tools to do better, for themselves and their communities.”

This program consists of a welding workshop where participants can earn a nationally recognized welding certification and practical skills that can open the door to postsecondary education, trade programs, and future employment opportunities in a high-demand field.

Under this program, participants can:

  • earn trades credits toward welding certification
  • improve their job readiness and be better prepared to reintegrate into the community upon release
  • learn a high-demand skill that offers promising career opportunities in the skilled trades

The workshop is supported by an investment of approximately $148,000 from the Government of Ontario, as well as a one-time grant of $80,000 from the Canadian Welding Bureau.

The new welding program builds on Ontario’s commitment to supporting youth and helping them gain valuable skills and certification. The welding program will complement the existing Taking Responsibility and Developing Employable Skills (TRADES) program where youth at Sprucedale Youth Centre can access a range of skilled trade occupations and earn industry standard certification in a variety of industry pre-requisite programs.

Quick Facts

  • The welding workshop is available to youth in custody or detention at Sprucedale Youth Centre.
  • Since April 2003, the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act has focused on prevention, diversion, and community-based programs.
  • Ontario provides a range of community and custody-based programs for youth in conflict with the law, focusing on their individual risks, needs and strengths.
  • As announced in the 2024 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, Ontario is investing $8.6 million over two years to increase access to programs for those in custody or on community supervision, to help youth successfully reintegrate into their communities.
  • Investments from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development have provided second chances for those with criminal records, supported youth in the justice system, and focus on rehabilitation and reintegration.
  • The Training Stream of the Skills Development Fund is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
  • Fernie Youth Services received $514,459 last year to provide education, job training, and support services for youth in the justice system.
  • The Oaks Revitalization Association has received $3.6 million over the last two years to train young offenders as apprentices in the skilled trades.
  • In 2020, Ontario launched the Internet Access for Youth for Educational Purposes to enhance young people’s online skills and create opportunities to apply them.
  • 1.3 million people work in skilled trades-related occupations in Ontario.

Quotes

“Training opportunities lead to meaningful careers that can help youth realize their potential and shape the future of our province. As we grow Ontario’s skilled trades workforce, I thank the Sprucedale Youth Centre for hosting this workshop and helping their residents gain the skills they will need to start their careers and build the rest of their lives.”

– David Piccini
Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

“The CWB Foundation is proud to partner with the Sprucedale Youth Centre and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to create opportunities that will positively impact the lives of youth. By investing in this new welding facility, complete with state-of-the-art equipment, we are helping young people develop valuable skills, build confidence, and open doors to new opportunities. Programs like this are critical in empowering youth to make positive choices and set themselves on a path to success, both during their time at the centre and beyond.”

– Susan Crowley
Executive Director, CWB Foundation

Additional Resources

Ontario Creating Pathways for Youth to Enter the Skilled Trades | Ontario Newsroom

Ontario Making It Easier to Enter Skilled Trades | Ontario Newsroom

Ontario Providing Second Chances for those with Criminal Records | Ontario Newsroom

Employment Ontario: Free Programs and Services for Job Seekers, Workers and Employers

Skilled Trades Ontario

Related Topics

Education and Training

Learn about Ontario’s early years, education and training systems. Includes information on child care, elementary schools, secondary schools, colleges, universities, skills training and financial aid. Learn more