December 23, 2010

McGuinty Government Helps Students Combine Education and Training

College students will get better job opportunities through more hands-on training and practical on-the-job instruction in the workplace.Thirteen colleges across Ontario will welcome new students into the Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship program when classes begin in 2011-12. The program allows students to pursue both diploma courses at college and on-the-job apprenticeship training for a related skilled trade, giving them a competitive edge to find work.

The McGuinty government’s Open Ontario plan is helping to build the most highly skilled and educated workforce in the world, securing a strong economy for the future.

• More than $13 million is being invested at 13 colleges for 32 Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship projects. This is an increase from just six projects when the program started in 2004-2005.
• There are more than 120,000 apprentices learning a skilled trade today, which is nearly 60,000 more than in 2002-2003.
• Ontario has over 150 trades in the construction, industrial, motive power and service sectors that offer apprenticeships.

• Learn how Ontario is helping apprentices.
• Learn how Ontario is helping employers.
• See more about Ontario’s colleges: where great careers begin.
• ontario.ca/tcu-news