Ontario Exploring How To Prepare More People for Good Jobs

Province Reviewing Workforce Development and Training To Match Programs with the Needs of a Changing Economy

TORONTO – As part of its commitment to prepare people for jobs, the Ontario government is launching a review of its slate of training programs to ensure workers are developing the in-demand skills that employers are looking for.

The Workforce Development and Training Review, announced this afternoon by Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton, will include consultations with industry, employers and other partners who play a role in hiring, training and retraining talent.  The review will study how to improve existing skills training programs, including the Second Career and the Canada-Ontario Job Grant, as well as other workforce development system features, like local workforce planning.

 “In a world of global competition and rapid technological change, it is essential that Ontario’s workers and businesses remain competitive,” said Minister McNaughton. “That is why we will work closely with experts from the labour, training and education sectors and from employers to learn how we can ensure that Ontario has the talent to prosper today and in the future.”

The review will also provide the foundation for the province’s first workforce development and training action plan, which will provide a roadmap for ensuring Ontario workers have the skills to find good, high-quality jobs in a changing economy. Ontario’s approach follows other jurisdictions in Canada and around the world, who have responded to technological advancement and workforce changes by developing comprehensive workforce development strategies.

“To make our economy fit for the future, we need to support all Ontario workers,” said Minister McNaughton. “Be it postsecondary education, apprenticeship, job training and retraining, employer-driven training, life-long learning, skilled immigration – we can’t afford to leave any stone unturned if we want to make sure our economy remains competitive, and that Ontario workers are prepared for jobs and opportunities to come.”