Ontario government boosts pre-apprenticeship training in Windsor-Essex
The sign at the UHC - Hub of Opportunities (previously called the Unemployed Help Centre) in Windsor in May 2021. PHOTO BY DAX MELMER /Windsor Star
A collaboration of community partners is leading the free training, including the UHC – Hub of Opportunities, LiUNA! Local 625, Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor, and St. Clair College.
LiUNA!625 training director Carmelo Calcara said the additional funds will help further acquaint young applicants with the construction trades — such as adding a state-of-the-art heavy equipment simulator to the union’s training facility.
Enrolees receive instruction and practice in the UHC’s community kitchen. “They gain industry-specific certifications and secure a work placement in this sector,” Muir said.
“This gives participants the opportunity to obtain a career in the culinary field which addresses labour shortages in Windsor and Essex County.”
The $2.3M in funding divides into approximately $792,000 for LiUNA!625; $375,000 for UHC – Hub of Opportunities; $377,000 for Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor; and a cumulative amount of $834,000 for three separate training projects under St. Clair College.
The training is meant to be available at no cost to participants.
