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September, 2005

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McGuinty Government Providing More Opportunities for At-Risk Youth

New Programs Will Open Doors To Apprenticeships

    TORONTO, Sept. 22 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is helping build

stronger, safer communities by creating opportunities for at-risk youth, Chris

Bentley, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, announced today.

    "Having a direction in life fosters hope for the future and the sense of

self-worth that comes from contributing to society," said Bentley. "These pre-

apprenticeship training programs will help young people who struggle in a

traditional school setting to establish themselves in a career."

    The government is investing $1 million to fund five pre-apprenticeship

training projects. They will help approximately 100 at-risk youth strengthen

their skills to become eligible for an apprenticeship in any of four specific

skilled trades:

    -   Brick and Stone Mason

    -   Construction Craft Worker

    -   Cook Assistant

    -   General Carpenter.

    "This training program is another example of our government working to

provide increased opportunities for young people," said Mary Anne Chambers,

Minister of Children and Youth Services. "Giving at-risk youth the ability to

learn practical skills will not only help them in finding gainful employment,

it will also contribute to their sense of self-worth and accomplishment."

    At-risk youth include those who have left secondary school without

graduating or face other barriers. Three of the programs will be available in

the Toronto area, and one each in Dunnville-Haldimand and Penetanguishene.

    "These pre-apprenticeship programs are vital because they give young

people, particularly those at-risk, the skills to make good choices in life

and reach their potential. This benefits everyone because successful and

involved individuals make for stronger communities," said Marg Stanowski,

executive director of Operation Springboard.

    "I commend the Ontario government for their support of pre-apprenticeship

training programs for at-risk youth. These programs create new opportunities

for youth to gain relevant apprenticeship training and work experience for

jobs in skill shortage areas while meeting the needs of employers for skilled

employees," said Robert A. Gordon, president of Humber Institute of Technology

and Advanced Learning.

    Ontario has Canada's largest apprenticeship training system.

Apprenticeship training will be a key feature of Ontario's new One-Stop

Training and Employment System, a seamless and co-ordinated training network

that is currently being implemented.

    "These positions will give young people the opportunity to succeed. By

investing in success, we are strengthening neighbourhoods and communities,"

Bentley said.

Reuters.com