As Ontario is on track to build 1.5 million homes over the next decade, a unique, job-ready trades program offered in partnership with Niagara College (NC) and the Niagara Home Builders Association (NHBA) graduated sixty-three new tradespeople this winter to support the in-demand field.
Funded by a provincial Skills Development Fund (SDF) grant, the customized Construction Skills program has trained over 160 students to date from June 2022 to March 2024 in construction fundamentals in either roofing, drywall, or framing.
“On behalf of Niagara College and our partners, the Niagara Home Builders Association, we are pleased to award this cohort of Constructions Skills Training students their certificates as they embark on lucrative, in-demand careers in residential construction,” said Leo Tiberi, Dean of Media, Trades and Technology at NC. “The investment by the Province of Ontario has supported our ability to work with industry partners and meet the urgent needs of employers.”
“I’d like to congratulate the graduates of the Construction Skills program,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government is proud to support these training projects which give the workers the tools to earn bigger paycheques for themselves and their families and help build the 1.5 million more homes Ontario families need.”
The fully funded program covered tuition, training materials, tools, personal protective equipment, employer wage subsidies and more, with an eight-week paid work placement. The program supported individuals who have been unable to pursue a career in the trades due to financial or other barriers.
On February 28, 2024, students, their families and friends were granted their certificates by representatives from NC and the NHBA. Awards for outstanding academic achievement and distinction were also granted to deserving students.
“I thought the program was just amazing,” said Andy Orban, who earned his certificate in February as well as an Award for Award of Distinction for professionalism, leadership and dedication. “I received an eight-week paid placement through this program originally, and I have now been sponsored by that same employer to get my ticket in carpentry.”
NHBA CEO Chuck McShane addressed the crowd on Wednesday evening, echoing the urgent need for skilled trades within the construction industry.
“The time to become a skilled tradesperson is NOW. In fact, by the year 2025, as many as 1 in 5 jobs within the Province of Ontario will be in the skilled trades.”
McShane also introduced digital “well wishes” from Ontario Minister of Colleges & Universities, Jill Dunlop and Minister David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, who both congratulated and thanked the students via video.
“Our current skilled trades workforce is aging and over the next 10 years, Ontario needs to retain 85,000 new workers just to renew rising requirements,” said Paul Savoia, President of the NHBA. “Through the partnership of this program, the NHBA and Niagara College are training these students with the in-demand skills they need in order to help close that skills gap.”
Many graduates of the Construction Skills Certificate of Completion program have already secured long-term employment or are starting their own businesses. Others are returning to Niagara College for the Carpentry and Renovation Technician Co-op program or are pursuing NC’s Pre-Apprenticeship programs.
This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
