To help keep recent graduates in the Sarnia-Lambton area, and grow the local economy, a new initiative has been launched by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. Focused on apprenticeships, this program provides an opportunity to bolster the skilled trades while creating opportunities to work and live in our community.
The goal of the project will be to support employers with navigating apprenticeship resources and processes, accessing training incentives, and connecting directly with apprentices. Specific activities will include one-on-one consultations, information sessions, employer recognition, and a new online platform to streamline recruitment of apprentices.
The Sarnia-Lambton area is known for its strength in the skilled trades, and offers unique learning opportunities for apprentices to launch their career. “As we continue growing our population, this program is aligned to the longer-term economic strategy of retaining and attracting in-demand skills to our area,” adds Stephen Thompson, CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. “A strong talent pool including apprentices is also important in attracting future investments and growing our existing businesses.”
Community stakeholders such as Lambton College, Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board, Sarnia Lambton Industrial Alliance, Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, St. Clair Catholic District School Board, Lambton-Kent District School Board, and Employment Ontario Service Providers have been supportive partners with the creation and roll-out of the project. This opportunity aligns to the efforts of an existing community group known as the Sarnia-Lambton Apprenticeship Network, consisting of many local organizations.
Lambton College is key in the training and development of apprentices to equip them with the knowledge to succeed in the skilled trades. “Our goal is to inspire employers to train apprentices in their economic sectors, grow their businesses and the local economy while providing pathways to good jobs for youth and other learners,” says Joel Van Bynen, Associate Dean, Technology and Trades, Lambton College.
“Through the Skills Development Fund, the provincial government has made it a priority to help support ground-breaking training projects that upskill workers and prepare jobs seekers for meaningful work in their communities,” said Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey. “The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership Apprenticeship Network initiative is another important tool to help connect local employers with job ready apprentices, putting people to work in the community right away.”
The Sarnia-Lambton Apprenticeship Network has the potential to make a significant impact on the way small and medium-sized businesses operate by reducing training costs through available incentives, saving time with recruiting an apprentice, and increasing their overall capacity with future workforce.
Employers interested in knowing more about the project or how to participate can contact Cari Meloche of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, cari@sarnialambton.on.ca or call 519-332-1820.
This Employment Ontario Project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
ABOUT Employment Ontario Project
Employment Ontario can help you get the training, skills and experience you need to achieve your goals. We connect people looking for work with employers looking for workers, and have locations across the province to help with job search and employment and training opportunities. For more information, please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/employment-ontario .
ABOUT Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for the Sarnia-Lambton area. Funded by the County of Lambton, we have a focus on promoting the distinct advantages that Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based economic development initiatives and working to maintain a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses to the Sarnia-Lambton area. Visit sarnialambton.on.ca to learn more.
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