The 2019 Ontario budget commitment to create a one-window digital portal for apprentices will produce a more highly qualified workforce, Ontario’s colleges said today.

“This will ensure more people enrol in apprenticeship training,” said Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes, Georgian College President and CEO. “It will produce more apprentices to help Ontario close the skills gap.”

The current application system is complex and bureaucratic. There is no clear application process and many people seeking to become apprentices find it difficult to get matched with willing employers.

The creation of a one-window portal will make the application process straightforward and easily accessible. Ontario’s colleges are eager to support the efforts to create this new portal.

“The government clearly recognizes it should be as easy for students to apply to be apprentices as it is to apply to any other college or university program,” said West-Moynes. “Modernizing our apprenticeship system will help make it one of the best in the world.”

Other budget highlights to produce a stronger workforce included:

· Establishing programs to encourage people to enter the skilled trades

· Launching a new micro-credentials pilot this spring to provide people with the skills employers are seeking

The budget also calls for a transformation of post-secondary education so that 60 per cent of provincial funding will be tied to performance outcomes by 2024-25.

“College education is pivotal to Ontario’s success and to ensuring more people find rewarding careers,” West-Moynes added. “We look forward to working with the government to helping more people acquire the expertise that is essential to success in this new economy.”

source: media release, Georgian College