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BROCKVILLE, ONT. — The Ontario government has announced it is spending $2.1 million through the (SDF) to train 700 workers for careers in utilities, electrical trades and motive power trades in Leeds-Grenville, including expanding a training facility in Kemptville.

The funding comes from both the and streams of the SDF, which are designed to recruit and train workers and build or upgrade training centres for the skilled trades, stated a release.

One million dollars will be spent at Four-O-One Electric Ltd. through the SDF training stream to train and upskill 77 electrical workers, including women and youth, with training stipends to encourage workers to upgrade their skill sets.

The Kemptville Campus Education and Community Centre will be the recipient of $840,000 through the SDF training stream to train 45 apprentices and workers in the motive power sector, including in the commercial vehicle and equipment apprenticeship program. The spending will also enable the centre to deliver one-day training programs for 545 students in Grades 7 to 12 to encourage them to start a career in the motive power and other skilled trades.

Devries Power and Utilities Solutions will receive $260,000 through the SDF capital stream to build an expanded training facility in Kemptville that will train 40 new diesel heavy mechanics, as well as electrical and powerline workers. The upgraded facilities will increase capacity for in-house training for new hires and other workers, reducing the need for workers to travel outside of the region to access training opportunities.

The funding brings Ontario’s total SDF investment in Leeds-Grenville workers to over $4.6 million to support over 2,600 workers, jobseekers and youth.