For immediate release
May 24, 2006

Investing in Apprenticeship Training in York West
McGuinty Government Supports Ontarians Who Want to Find Opportunity

YORK WEST – The McGuinty government is creating opportunities for 72 apprentices at different stages of their training in York West by funding their classroom instruction, MPP Mario Sergio announced today.

“The McGuinty government is on the side of Ontario families who want their sons and daughters to find opportunity. That’s why we’re investing in apprenticeship classroom spaces to help people,” MPP Sergio said. “We are helping apprentices in York West complete their training so that they can meet the needs of industry.”

During 2006-07, the provincial government plans to invest $173,000 in the in-class training for 72 apprentices in York West and area at Interior Finishing Systems. This investment is directly connected to local industry needs as the total number of apprenticeship spaces in each community is driven by the number of apprentices hired by local businesses.

Classroom instruction is an essential part of an apprentice’s training. Ontario’s $31 million investment will help more than 27,000 apprentices undertake the classroom portion of their training at 24 community colleges and 39 training centres.

“The McGuinty government’s support of apprenticeships goes a long way towards encouraging people to pursue careers in the skilled trades,” MPP Sergio said. “This investment is great news for York West as the best jobs and the most investment go to the places with the best-educated and most highly skilled workforce.”

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Contact;
Mario Sergio, M.P.P
York West
Tel: 416-585-7007