Hamilton gets $6M+ to expand skilled-trades training and update equipment

What’s happening

• The province is investing more than $6 million in Hamilton to expand apprenticeship pathways and modernize trades training.
• Funding targets pre-apprenticeship programs, Apprenticeship Capital Grants, and the Skills Development Fund Capital Stream.

Who it affects and why it matters

• About eight local organizations will use the funds to train almost 200 participants, mainly in construction, manufacturing, automotive, and industrial trades.
• The upgrades aim to ensure apprentices train on modern equipment and gain hands-on experience employers expect.

By the numbers

• Total announced: more than $6 million to local training providers in Hamilton.
• Nearly 200 people to be supported across the funded programs.

Where the money is going (selected items reported)

• Mohawk College: more than $2.6 million for modernizing electrical, carpentry, automotive and millwright training; $265,699 for pre-apprenticeship sheet metal training; $483,252 for electrical equipment.
• YWCA Hamilton: $1,854,571 for pre-apprenticeship training for 54 participants (focused on women and youth) in automotive, autobody and welding trades.
• Ironworkers Local 736: more than $948,000 to build a 7,000 sq ft training facility, buy overhead cranes and upgrade equipment (supports 75 trainees over five years).
• YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford: $330,345 for Truck and Coach Technician Level 1 training for 20 youth.
• John Howard Society (Hamilton, Burlington and Area): $321,930 for machinist and millwright pre-apprenticeship for 15 participants facing employment barriers.
• United Association 67 Technical Trades Academy: $59,263 to upgrade a welding machine.
• Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program: $59,083 to buy modern tools and digital learning equipment for elevator apprentices.
• Finishing Trades Institute of Ontario: $52,511 to purchase an industrial sandblaster for surface-prep and coating training.

Sources and scope

• Funding streams named in the release: Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program, Apprenticeship Capital Grant, and Skills Development Fund Capital Stream.
• The release emphasizes local workforce development for construction, infrastructure and industrial projects and notes this supports broader provincial apprenticeship targets.