��������

VAUGHAN, ONT. — Two projects for the Carpenters’ Regional Council (CRC) and College of Carpenters and Allied Trades (CCAT) are receiving $6 million in government funding to train over 1,000 carpenters in Vaughan and across Ontario, through the Skills Development Fund (SDF).

The funds bring Ontario’s total investment in skills development training through the SDF to nearly $1.1 billion.

With about 1,200 carpentry vacancies across Ontario, the projects will train over 1,000 jobseekers in highly in-demand carpentry fields facing acute labour shortages, indicates a release.

The CRC is receiving over $5.5 million to train over 750 jobseekers and apprentices with a combination of on-the-job training and in-class learning, including preparing for their Certificate of Qualification Red Seal exam.

The CCAT is receiving $894,824 to deliver upskilling programs up to 312 jobseekers in carpentry skills related to formwork and scaffolding, which are essential in non-residential construction and which are also experiencing an acute labour shortage across Ontario.

“Our plan to keep rebuilding Ontario’s economy starts with investing in workers so they can find better jobs with bigger paycheques right here in our province,” said Premier Doug Ford in a statement. “By helping workers train for jobs in fast-growing sectors like carpentry, we’re also ensuring employers have the workers they need to continue growing their businesses and investing in Ontario’s economy.”