Students in the Strathroy area won't have far to go if they want training in the skilled trades.
At a news conference in Strathroy on Friday morning, Ontario Labour Minister Monte McNaughton announced provincial funding for a new Skilled Trades Training Centre. The $5.7-million in provincial funding will assist in getting the centre up and running. The project, which involves the Thames Valley District School Board, the London District Catholic School Board, Lambton College, and the Technical Training Group, will offer students instruction with state of the art equipment and prepare them for careers in the trades.
“This investment means young people in Strathroy will have access to cutting-edge technology and education, so they are ready for life-long careers in the skilled trades,” McNaughton said.
According to the province, the centre will "provide apprentices, secondary and elementary school students with the equipment and training they need to explore careers as Industrial Mechanic Millwrights, Welders and Metal Fabricators, as part of the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program."
Strathroy-Caradoc Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden was on hand for the announcement. She said the new centre will compliment the municipality's Junior Trades Program.
"This partnership is an incredible opportunity to give students and apprentices access to the high-quality training they need to kick off a career in the trades, and close to home,” she said.
The $5.7-million in funding comes from the Ontario Skills Development Fund.
