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MISSISSAUGA, ONT. – Skills Ontario recently presented its recommendations to the minister of finance during the province’s pre-budget consultations held in Mississauga.

The organization emphasized the urgent need to address Ontario’s skilled trades shortage, which is projected to reach over 550,000 unfilled positions by 2030.

More specifically, the organization’s key recommendations include:

• Multi-year funding commitments: Expanding initiatives such as the Skills Ontario Competition and the Trades & Tech Truck, which currently reach over 35,000 Ontarians annually.
• Enhanced career connections: Strengthening programs like Discovery Days and job connections to facilitate apprenticeships, co-ops and stronger ties between training organizations and employers.
• Increased marketing and outreach: Collaborating with Skilled Trades Ontario to improve youth, parent, and educator engagement.
• Permanent training facilities: Establishing a Skilled Trades & Tech exploration hub with regional centres to provide hands-on training.

“For over 35 years, Skills Ontario has worked to bridge education, experience, and employment through innovative programs that empower youth and underrepresented groups, including young women, Indigenous youth, persons with exceptionalities, and newcomers to Canada,” a release states. “Their efforts have transformed perceptions of skilled trades and technology careers while fostering diversity and inclusion.”