A free job training initiative aimed at helping residents enter the skilled trades is expanding across the Grand Erie region.
The Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie announced the expansion of its Skills2Advance program, which will provide hands-on training, industry certifications, and work placements for more than 100 participants through several streams focused on in-demand trades careers.
The program includes three separate streams: Skills2Advance: Construction, Skills2Advance: Industrial Trades, and Skills2Advance: Home Building. Organizers say the initiative is designed to help address ongoing labour shortages while creating employment opportunities for local residents.
Skills2Advance: Construction will train 36 participants over three cohorts. The program combines 10 weeks of technical instruction with an additional eight-week job placement. Participants will receive experience in areas including framing, drywall, roofing, welding, and workplace safety certifications.
Another 36 participants will take part in Skills2Advance: Industrial Trades, which focuses on machining, tool and die, and metal fabrication. The training is intended to prepare participants for careers as machinists, welders, maintenance technicians, and other industrial trades positions.
The Home Building stream will support 40 participants through two cohorts focused on residential construction. That program includes 12 weeks of training followed by an eight-week placement covering carpentry, plumbing, and related construction skills.
Program delivery will continue through November 2026, with classes staggered throughout the year.
Danette Dalton said the expansion is intended to support both job seekers and employers struggling with skilled labour shortages across the region.
“We’re proud to expand Skills2Advance programming to support both job seekers and employers facing skilled trades shortages,” Dalton said in a release.
No prior experience is required to participate in the programs. Priority will be given to people who are traditionally underrepresented in the labour market, including youth, Indigenous residents, women, and low-income individuals.
According to the organization, Skills2Advance has helped several hundred residents begin careers in manufacturing, warehousing, welding, and construction over the past seven years.
The initiative is funded in part through Employment Ontario with support from both the provincial and federal governments.
More information about the program and application details can be found through Skills2Advance.
