The Ontario government is investing $2.1 million to help the Ontario Harness Horse Association train workers for rewarding careers in the horse racing industry.
The announcement was made by Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Monte McNaughton, in Ancaster this morning, and he says the industry has a lot of unfilled opportunities right now.
"In September, there were more than 1,000 unfilled jobs for groomers and animal care workers in Ontario. These unfilled jobs are paycheques waiting to be collected by people with the right skills. This program is helping farms, racetracks, breeders and training centres find the qualified workers they need to care for their horses, and it's preparing 250 people for rewarding careers where they can earn, on average, more than $20 per hour."
The official release from the province says the course that applicants will undertake includes eight weeks of free online academic instruction, followed by paid work placements of six to 12 weeks at local employers. McNaughton says the investment announced today includes numerous financial aids for students and employers.
"Financial support is available to help offset travel and accommodation costs, and also help employers offset time seasoned staff spend mentoring."
McNaughton says the equine industry brings in over $2 billion in revenue for the province on a yearly basis. He was joined by Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece and Grey-Bruce-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker, who have both advocated for the industry and local racetracks in their ridings for many years.
“Groomers and caretakers are fundamental to the health, welfare, and safety of the horses, and therefore are critical to the success of our industry,” says Jim Whelan, President of the Ontario Harness Horse Association. “This project is an incredible opportunity for unemployed and under-employed job seekers in small-town Ontario who are eager for a rewarding career in the equine industry.”
