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WINDSOR, ONT. — The Ontario government has announced an investment of $64.2 million over the next three years to expand in-class apprenticeship training for the skilled trades.

The money is coming through the In-Class Enhancement Fund (IEF) and will create up to 4,000 new training seats each year, a release reads, helping apprentices access in-class training faster while covering their $10-per-day Level 1 classroom fees.

“This investment is exactly what Ontario’s skilled trades workforce needs right now,” said Marc Arsenault, business manager and secretary treasurer for the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario in a statement. “Expanding in-class training capacity means more apprentices can start and finish their programs on time, with fewer financial and logistical barriers. It’s a smart, practical step that ensures major infrastructure projects are built by a well-trained, local workforce. Our members are ready to build Ontario’s future, and this kind of support helps get them on the tools faster and safer.”

The province is also examining ways to increase apprenticeship hiring on publicly funded infrastructure projects and construction sites. 

In addition, it is working with Skilled Trades Ontario to expand testing, allowing apprentices to book Certificate of Qualification exams at certified testing centres closer to home, choosing the date, time and location that works best for them, the release adds.

The IEF is part of the $159.3 million announced in the  to strengthen skilled trades programs.