Photo Credit: PickPik

ONTARIO 💵 Ontario Providing Job-Ready Training for Francophone Survivors of Domestic Abuse 🧑🔎

Sunday, 25 August 2024 10:27.AM

- $1 million investment will help Francophone Ontarians build a new life for themselves and their families with careers in the skilled trades -

The Ontario government is investing $1 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to provide training to Francophone Ontarians who are survivors of domestic and/or family abuse and connect these women with employers in the skilled trades.

“A career in the skilled trades is more than a high-paying job – it offers people the chance to build a better life for themselves and their family, with self-confidence and hope for their future,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We’re honoured to partner with La Maison d’Hébergement pour Femmes francophones to show these survivors the diverse range of rewarding, fulfilling careers open to them in the skilled trades, and deliver job-ready training so they can start working with confidence on day one of their new career.”

In partnership with La Maison d’Hébergement pour Femmes francophones, a non-profit French-language shelter based in Toronto, this 12-month training program will include wraparound mental health supports, as well as personalized services to address unique challenges faced by participants, including essential life skills training and on-the-job training.

“Our government knows that Ontario’s vibrant Francophone community is a part of our national fabric and contributes greatly to our economy,” said Caroline Mulroney, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Francophone Affairs. “With projects like these, Ontario is continuing to tackle the labour shortage while also working to strengthen the Francophone language and culture through skills development and training.”

"No matter how you start your journey, or where you come from, a career in the skilled trades offers women a strong, secure foundation to make a fresh start, with skills that no one can ever take away from you,” said Patrice Barnes, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “La Maison’s program will train these women in highly-valued skilled trades, helping them find a career that is right for them and empower them to start an independent life that is free of fear – and full of opportunity.”

With the recent announcement of up to $260 million for Round 5 of the SDF Training Stream, the province’s total investment through the Fund is now up to $1.4 billion. These investments are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to attract, support and protect workers, making Ontario the best place to work, live and raise a family.

Quick Facts

• SDF comprises two streams: the Training Stream supports hiring, training, and upskilling programs for jobseekers, apprentices, and workers; and the Capital Stream supports upgrades or construction of training centres for the skilled trades.
• Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s SDF Training Stream has helped almost 600,000 workers train for in-demand sectors, including:
o Over 66,000 construction workers
o Over 92,000 manufacturing workers
o Over 36,000 PSWs and health-care workers
• SDF Training Stream Round 5 opened on July 29, 2024, and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until October 4, 2024. Interested organizations can apply through Transfer Payment Ontario and send inquiries to skillsdevelopmentfund@ontario.ca.
• There were 105,530 jobs recently going unfilled in the Toronto economic region.
• The 2021 Census data from Statistics Canada based on the Inclusive Definition of Francophone shows Ontario has 652,540 Francophones, an increase of 30,125 compared to the 2016 Census
• People interested in participating in the project announced today are encouraged to contact La Maison d’Hébergement pour Femmes francophones directly.
• The SDF Training Stream and Better Jobs Ontario are supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

"Funded by the Skills Development Fund of Ontario's Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, emploi-CPPS & Métiers 2 of La Maison d'Hébergement pour Femmes francophones de Toronto, focuses on empowering women in the skilled trades. The primary goal is to sustainably improve the employability of participants, particularly of new immigrant women, by aligning their knowledge and skills with market demands. We are deeply grateful for this funding, which enables La Maison to contribute to the economic integration of its clients. To date, some forty participants have benefited from various interventions aimed at developing their employability skills."
- Wilhelmine Babua, Managing Director of La Maison d’Hébergement pour Femmes francophones de Toronto

SOURCE: Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

* * *
 
  More News