Ontario Announces Funding to Support Plumbing and Piping Training

Our government is closing the skills gap. ⁰⁰Today, I announced with @BobBaileyPC a historic $11.6 million investment to train nearly 1,500 people for plumbing and piping careers. ⁰⁰We are getting it done for the workers of Ontario. #ONpoli https://t.co/1rnRxXuPSz pic.twitter.com/sxiM5VUf0c

— Monte McNaughton (@MonteMcNaughton) April 22, 2022

The Ontario government is investing over $11.6 million in two projects designed to assist nearly 1,500 apprentices and journeypersons upgrade their skills in plumbing, steamfitting, welding, sprinkler fitting, and refrigeration trades.

For the first project, the Ontario Pipe Trades Council of the United Association, representing 10 local unions in Ontario, will be receiving $10.5 million to deliver training for over 1,000 registered apprentices and journeypersons.

The funding will help participants attend advanced virtual and in-class training to upgrade their skills, and support the purchase of specialized equipment, such as spider cranes, so that apprentices can learn proper operating techniques. The training is open to members of the United Association within Ontario.

The province is also providing $1.1 million in funding for the Joint Training & Apprenticeship Committee (JTAC) Local 46 Training Centre to deliver six-to-eight weeks of training per level of in-class training for 488 apprentices in the plumber, steamfitter, and welder trades.

Eligible apprentices will be able to receive income support while attending full-time schooling. They can also apply for financial incentives like a basic living allowance, commuting allowance, and dependent care.

For more information, or to apply to the Ontario Pipe Trades Council’s project, contact office@optc.org or 905-665-3500.

Registered apprentices interested in applying to the JTAC training program can contact Vince Kacaba, Director of Training, at 416-759-9351.