Local students are getting the opportunity to gain valuable skills on the job this summer through a new program called Build & Soar, funded by the provincial government.
It was announced last week that the Ontario government is investing $435,210 through the Skills Development Training Stream to train 75 workers, including students, in Peterborough & the Kawarthas for in-demand careers in aviation and construction. \
This program was developed in partnership with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED), Peterborough & the Kawarthas Home Builders Association (PKHBA), along with Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) and the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB).
Rebecca Schillemat, executive officer for PKHBA said this project came to be after one of their board members pitched it as a way to get students more on the job experience.
She said, “The PKHBA Board was discussing skills development funding in the early fall when Alex Duketow had the idea of a student experiential work program with PKHBA. Alex is a PKHBA Board member and a student success consultant in the skilled trades programs at PVNC. The idea grew from there to include KPR and as it grew we needed someone with more experience so we reached out to PKED.”
Schillemat explained that Build & Soar is round three of the Skills Development Fund through the province, where each business in either the aviation or construction sector who hires a student will receive a wage subsidy of $8.55 per hour for the student for up to eight weeks of work. The wage subsidy is paid out once the paperwork is complete at the end of the employment. Through the program the students are provided with construction boots, some tools and a tool belt.
Alex Duketow, student success consultant with PVNCCDSB, said, “We were looking for a streamlined way to help our Grade 11 and 12 Construction and Aviation Specialist High Skills Major students, who are demonstrating career ready-ness, gain practical summer work experience with the amazing businesses in their own backyards. Our applied technology, co-op, physics, and guidance teachers forwarded names of students showing dedication toward working in industry and we’ve all, including the students, been working hard to find placements for them.”
Duketow said that there are about 40 students who have already been placed into this program, half of which reside in Peterborough County.
“We have students working between three aviation related companies at or near the Peterborough Airport and we have many students working at a number of construction related businesses including general contractors, renovators, quarries, electrical, equipment repair, plumbing, HVAC, landscaping, lumberyards, and more.”He went on to say that the program is for students who are highly recommended by their tech teachers and who are focused on a career in industry.
“This opportunity is designed to help students gain labourer experience and take meaningful steps toward a profession. If a student has just graduated from high school and is speaking to companies about a potential job, this program can be a catalyst to help it become a reality.”
Schillemat said that this program is helping business grow their workforce while also having a safety net in the form of a wage subsidy from the government to help reduce risks.
She said, “The ideal long term impact is to have more local youth interested in careers in construction and skilled trades. 1 in 5 job openings are in skilled trades, but businesses need employees who have specific skill sets. By utilizing the Special high skills major program (SHSM) at PVNC & KPR we are providing businesses with employees who have basic training in those sought after skills.”
Dave Smith MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha said, “Ontario’s trades are vital to the growth of the economy and our government’s ‘Plan to Build’ offering careers that lead to secure jobs and a good quality life which is why having programs like the Build & Soar will set them on the path to success”
The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is open to a wide range of applicants, including employers, industry associations, labour unions, municipalities, hospitals and many more. The funding announced today builds on the government’s mission to make Ontario the best place in the world to work, live and raise a family.
Businesses are still able to apply for this program to be paired up with a local youth. Schillemat told the Herald that any business located or working in the city or county of Peterborough are welcome to apply by contacting PKED Economic Development officer Eleni Gagovski at egagovski@investptbo.ca to take on a student.
